Vanessa-Mae - Subject to Change

2001 album for the international artist who's conquered the classical music world as well as pop. Teaming with producer Youth (Fine Young Cannibals, Bananarama, James, Crowded House, the Orb) to create this trance/dance infused album. Highlights include the first two singles, 'Destiny' & 'White Bird'. Album Description

Very disappointing

After her two brilliant albums, "Storm" and "The Violin Player", this was just, well, a mess. The violin play was mediocre, and did not showcase this musician's capabilities. The strength of her earlier two pop albums were in the strong foundation of classical music, brought up to date with modern instrumentation and rythm. She has left that foundation here and ventured into a wilderness. Vanessa Mae shows she is an excellent musical technician, not a composer. The sound of this album relies heavily on pop echoes of the seventies disco era, without the underlying edginess and tension that gave that music it's attraction.

Vanessa Mae should return to her roots. If this had been my first exposure to her, I wouldn't have looked further, and not been exposed to her better work. August 14, 2007

Not as good as some prior albums but good either way!

I like a few other reviewers felt that some of Vanessa Mae's prior albums were better in originality and use of the violin than this album. It seems like she's trying to move even more toward a pop tilt on this album, but overall this album is definitely worth the purchase. Also, even though the violin is not predominant like prior albums her voice really shines through on the songs with vocals. I particularly like White Bird. Either way if you're a fan of hers I don't think you'll be disappointed because I really think it's an album that you just pop in and listen to! July 20, 2004

WHERE STORM LEFT OFF..

Quite simply, Mae's latest album takes off where her last one left off. She makes you wonder why rock and roll is associated with guitars, not violins.

Once again, she weds a dizzying array of synthesized and generated sounds with violin playing of great warmth and dazzling virtousity. Expect beat-driven songs that combine her spiffy ability at the strings with various subgenres, as well as softer, more introspective pieces. The arrangements are classy as usual, and together with the well produced combinational elements, make for an entertaining album.

Caveat: it may get a little monotonous, but if you enjoyed Storm you will likely find something on Subject To Change to keep you interested. September 29, 2003

Violin music on steroids

The new album by Vanessa Mae marks a return to her first work. Unlike "Storm", "Subject to Change" offers more instrumental tracks, and does not sound as eclectic.

Pros:
* The album is full of energy and catchy and simple tunes.
* It is rare to see such a packed album (65 minutes) these days.
* The tracks "Destiny" and "Laughing Buddha" are like "Red Hot", Mae's signature tune, on steroids. The album is worth its price for these two tracks; the rest is just a bonus.

Cons:
* Vanessa Mae still thinks that when she sings in French, it will sound nicer. Among all those high-energy tracks, her singing feels a little out of place.
* The import version is a little pricey; you may want to wait for the US release.

Overall, Vanessa Mae has proven with her third pop album that she is here to stay, so get used to it. January 17, 2002

some good stuff in it.

Unlike Storm in which every song was distinct and unique, Subject to Change seems rather vague and hazy. Most of the songs are quite similar and seem to run around the same themes. Can't tell them apart. They could have been the same song for all i knew and they are good only as background music when i'm reading or studying. Her violin playing in this cd wasn't very obvious; often drowned out by the other instruments. Definitely not up to the standards of Storm and The Violin Player. Seems like she got so caught up with experimenting that she has neglected the violin.

The songs with vocals were more outstanding, particularly White Bird. Though the lyrics themself seemed a bit cliched at times (ok i'm not much of a literary critic so maybe you others might not feel the same) i like the song and her style. The other tracks with vocals were quite nice too even though i don't understand the language. I found track 10 and 12 really sexy and fun. V-Mae's voice isnt that great, but like I said, she has her own distinct style and it's worth listening. That's why i gave this cd 3 stars.

Oh yeah, the excessive photos of her in the booklet inside really put me off. Call me a prude or whatever: What is she selling? Her music or her looks? It reminds me way too much of boybands plastering their faces all over posters and magazines in order to attract fans. C'mon V-Mae, you don't need that. What we want from you is your _music_ not your pretty pictures. December 6, 2001

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