Regina Spektor -- Begin to Hope

I first saw Regina Spektor as one of VH1's featured artists. Her clear, bright voice and infectiously playful melodies immediately got stuck in my head. Particularly won over by "Fidelity", I went out and bought this interesting album.

Spektor's album could be classified as a sort of pop/folk blend, but some of the pieces are almost theatrical in nature. I consider this Russian-born New Yorker's style a mix of Tori Amos and Bjork, with Bjork's quirkiness and Tori's way of sounding as if she's just sat down at the piano and made up the song as she went along. Regina adds to this mix a real brightness of spirit, of wonder in everyday things, of the joy of intriguing melodies.

Regina Spektor definitely offers a variety on this album. Some pieces are upbeat, some mournful, some 80s-influenced...if you don't like a particular track, just move ahead to find one you do! I generally listen to tracks 1-7 the most. "Fidelity", track 1, remains a favorite, as well as the equally melodic track 4, "On the Radio". Track 7, "Apres Moi" is a gorgeous piece that rolls up and down the scale, quick piano melodies followed by deeply resonating chords. Spektor's adept vocals climb into clear as a bell high notes that hiccup down into her trademark chirping styling.

Spektor's album does have an alternative flavor and I recommend listening to some tracks online before purchasing to see if you find her music appealing. I enjoy this album for her beautiful voice and the catchy songs. Like Amos, an entire CD of unpredictable and quirky songs can sometimes be a bit much. Considering that many albums only have one or two good songs, though, and this one has at least seven or eight, I find this a worthy buy.