I finally got the new Liz Phair album, Somebody’s Miracle. I know some people don’t care for it, but I have to say I heartily disagree.
It’s funny - the criticisms I’ve read about this album sound so similar to the ones I read about her eponymous album in 2003, that I start to wonder if the reviewers just got lazy and decided to rehash old articles. Hey, speaking of rehashing old stuff, let’s see what I wrote about Liz Phair a little over two years ago.
I don’t understand why Liz Phair’s new CD has gotten such bad reviews (or at least those that I’ve read). I bought it the other day, and it’s great! I think the “popular” media just has something against her. They first jumped all over her shit back when Exile in Guyville came out because it was sooo scandalous (omigod, she said “blow job”!!), then they criticized Whip Smart and whitechocolatespaceegg for not being as ‘raw’ as Exile in Guyville, and accused her of selling out. WTF? It’s obvious that they really just don’t know what to think of her because she doesn’t fit any pre-defined stereotype or category.
Yep, still applicable.
One of the things I like most about Liz Phair’s music is that it’s never stagnant. Her sound is always evolving, and she’s always finding creative new things to do. (Which is why it baffles me when critics accuse her of “selling out.”) And, as always, the strongest part of her music is her lyrics. Her intelligent and thoughtful songwriting is one thing that doesn’t change.
I would say this album’s lyrics are more mature, but that would imply that the lyrics of previous albums have been immature, which isn’t the case. Maybe a better way to put it is that Somebody’s Miracle seems more introspective overall than her previous albums (which, again, all carried a hefty dose of introspection).
Probably my favorite thing about the album is the transition from “Somebody’s Miracle” to “Got My Own Thing” immediately after it. Some might find the juxtaposition of the following lyrics confusing and off-putting… but I think it’s great.
First, from “Somebody’s Miracle”:
I never cry out loud.
I keep my tears to myself.
But I woke up one day and I found my life had left me for someone else.
I guess it must be unhappy with me.There goes somebody’s miracle,
Walking down the street.
There goes a modern day fairy tale.
I wish it could happen to me.
But I look at myself,
Wondering if I’m just too weak
To have such faith in myself.
Then, from “Got My Own Thing”:
I’ve got my own thing.
Feel it, it is strong.
As short as people think,
But really it is long.don’t have to wait for a miracle.
They say I’m pretty as a song.
I don’t have to save for a rainy day,
I know that something comes along (it always comes along).
The placment of these two songs right beside each other reveals something honest and real. Everyone has periods of loneliness, self-doubt, and fear; and everyone also has periods of self-confidence and happiness. One can follow the other with little predictability - that’s real life.
So, if I had to pick one word to describe Somebody’s Miracle, it would be honest. We here at Being Amber Rhea give it two thumbs up; Liz Phair rocks as hard as ever.
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One Response to "Liz Phair: 5 for 5"
Just for clarity’s sake, I haven’t actually heard the new album. That post was written about my feelings about her past couple of albums.
I’m still gonna listen to the new one. She’s earned that much from me.