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 - It Wears on YouThe novelty factor in this album (she sings in several different languages) wears off quick. If you want world music I'd recommend the Putumayo CDs. This album here is dull and repetitious (though exciting at first because you have no idea what she's on about). Rating: - Yael Naim - Yael NaimYael Naim (2008, Warner) Yael Naim's first studio album. **1/2 Several female artists have had their breakthroughs due to their single being featured on a commercial (Sara Bareilles and Feist are just a few). Yael Naim is one of them. Her song "New Soul" is a catchy and bouncy simple piano ballad that grows to full orchestration as it reaches its peak, all the way assisted by Naim's accented lyrics. The song is not bad; it's not incredibly infectious and doesn't have the staying power of songs like "Love Song" and "1234," but then again, that may not have been the point. The album itself is a definitive hit-and-miss affair, with the misses being more notable than the hits. Naim sings in Hebrew (at least I think it is) occassionally, it doesn't sound pretty and doesn't fit the album. French has proven the only other language worthy on a label release. Not a terrible start, but not a great one, either. -Stephen www.politicianrock.blogspot.com Rating:  - New Soul, New VoiceThis is the first album I've listened to in over a year where I've been able to just put it on and listen to it all the way through without so much as a wincing effort. The track "New Soul" is definitely a highlight, but far from the best. Yael has the smoothest voice I've heard since Corrine Bailey Rae, and her styles are varied and complex. She sings in three different languages, all with such beauty and control. Though some songs are happy and bright, such as "New Soul" and "Far Far", many more are cheery the way a rainy spring day is. A few songs ( Lonely, Levater)are definitely melancholic, but still hypnotic in such a way that you'll have to pry yourself away from the music. This isn't something you'd want to play at a party, but is a must for when you're out for a stroll with your iPod. Rating: - Excelent voice, good songs, great CD!For those who like the new generation of female singers like Sarah Harmer, Ingrid Michaelson and Feist, Yael Naim is a great addition. Her songs, in English, French and Hebrew, are very melodic but not too slow or countrish. I like the fact that she doesn't have a heavy accent but nevertheless has one. I think that her songs even has some sort of "coolness", which may be the reason why Apple chose to use one of her songs on the commercial of the new Mac Air. Rating: - Stunning and Beautiful...I ordered this album because I knew it would be different, I am not one for listening to the Top 20 on the radio, there just isn't talent and depth on the radio these days. What I got was, not only a different voice, but a stunningly beautiful voice. Wow...Yael Naim is amazing! What else can be said? Some songs are in English, some in French and Hebrew...it really doesn't matter what language...the feeling can be felt through her voice. This album is one for listening to at night, with a glass of wine in hand, or just simply enjoying it anytime....there are very few out there like this...you won't be disappointed with this album. P.S. If you like Yael Naim...try getting a copy of the French model turned singer, Carla Bruni..she is also very amazing!
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