Back To Earth Review

upstudioUID: 124777

02/17/2005 4:31 AM, AMG


At first, Lisa Ekdahl's squeaky, girlish voice may seem inappropriate for the pop standards she has chosen to make her trade, but given some time, her voice and laidback style become endearing. True, she occasionally seems mannered and borrows heavily from her inspirations (most notably Billie Holiday), but she shows signs of developing her own style throughout her second American album, Back to Earth. Like its predecessor, When Did You Leave Heaven, Back to Earth was recorded with the Peter Nordahl Trio and has a charming mellow vibe. Nordahl has an elegant turn of phrase and his rhythm section -- drummer Ronnie Gardiner and bassist Patrick Boman -- have a light touch that keeps focus on Ekdahl. It is true that her voice may strike some listeners as odd, but it's girlish, not thin, which means she can nail the emotions of the songs. There may be a few missteps here and there, but she delivers ballads ("What Is this Thing Called Love," "Laziest Girl in Town," "Now or Never") as well as swing ("Down with Love," "I Get a Kick Out of You.") Yes, the selections are a little predictable and Ekdahl is a bit of an acquired taste, but ultimately, Back to Earth is quite charming. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide


1.now or never
2.nature boy
3.stranger on earth
4.the laziest gal in town
5.ti had to be you
6.down with love
7.what is theis thing called love?
8.tea for two
9.the lonely one
10.i get a kick out of you
11.just for a thrill
12.night dan day
13.plaintive rumba