Album Review : Paloma Faith – Do You Want the Truth Or Something Beautiful?
- Written by Gilda and Les Femmes Noires
First myth buster: Paloma Faith is not Amy Winehouse nor is she Duffy; she is also not a hybrid of the two. That’s pure lazy journalism! Rather, Paloma Faith is a raider of several music genres rendering her a “child of our age” (her words); someone who does not have an allegiance to any particular style. However, the 1940s rhythm ‘n’ blues, and soul/blues that she’s fond of listening to is evident in her vocal style.
The album kicks off with first hit, the keyboard-stonker, ‘Stone Cold Sober’ followed by Paloma’s band’s new-favourite: the string-laden ‘Smoke & Mirrors’. Third and fourth tracks, ‘Broken Doll’, and ‘Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful’ evoke nostalgia reminiscent of Burt Bacharach’s lush orchestration; although ‘Do You Want…..’ adds rock guitars to give the song its overall sound a dark, brooding edge.
The next track, ‘Upside Down’, was once described as: “more Paloma Faith than Paloma Faith” by the record label when they first approached her with the song (for those of you who have seen her perform it live, you will understand what they mean). The tempo is upbeat with the song’s roots stemming from pure Dixie traditional to 1920s Charleston. Current hit, ‘New York’ is the kind of epic that is expected when your heart has been broken by the one you love: part George Benson’s ‘Rainy Night in Georgia’, part soaring Gospel choir. ‘Romance is Dead’ however, is a treatment in Romance at the opposite end of the spectrum. Lyrics such as: "The plastic flowers you gave… so unstable, and there’s some greasy fingertips…" says it all!
Doo-wop and 80s soul number, ‘Stargazer’ is the most down-tempo track on the album, and bears a passing resemblance to ‘Starmaker’, the 1982 no.1 hit single to Fame (yes, the original before the current remake) by the Kids from Fame, and vocally to ‘Love is Contagious’ by 80s songstress, Taja Sevelle. ‘My Legs Are Weak’ is a personal favourite and is dedicated to Paloma’s departed friend Louis. The song also boasts another slice of nostalgia, courtesy of ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’ by The Platters (50s/60s Doo Wop/Vocal group). Final track, ‘Play On’ features a string quartet at the start which transmutes into a Euro-rock anthem that Paloma customises and makes her own.
Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful? is an impressive debut by a little-known songstress outside the London Burlesque and Cabaret Scene. Paloma’s song, ‘I Just Wait’ featured on the Drink Aware (girl version) advert was a brilliant piece of savoir faire, and long may she continue to use it.