Begin to Hope by Regina Spektor (CD, Jun-2006, Sire)

This is a good CD that gets better with each listening. So I thought I would discuss the songs by track list.
1. Fidelity: I bought the album because of the video I saw for this song. Its a happy Pop style tune that makes you want to bob your head and smile.
2. Better: Another good pop song that has a dash of alternative mixed in. It's just a little different than the normal pop tunes.
3. Sampson: This is slow, subtle love song that tugs at the heartstrings just a little. Its a very poignant song although it may be considered sacriligious at times.
4. On the Radio: Perhaps the best of the pop style songs on this album. Ultimately, the song's about lost love, but you'll still find yourself singing along. And it references GnR's November Rain which is cool.
5. Field Below: This is definitely a blues song with just a hint of jazz. Its sad. Its melancholy. And it has some very beautiful piano and violin work. And the chourus reminds me of Simon and Garfinkle's Bridge Over Troubled Water.
6. Hotel Song: Another nice popsy song. I will say this song sounds like a coverband rewrite of the 50s rock song Just One Look.
7.Apres Moi: This may be my favorite song on the album. A dark and forboding tune with a heavy slovik feel. This song reminds me of Bach's Toccata and Fugue. It would be an excellant radio station request for Halloween Night. Very cool but it doesn't quite go in any catagory I can think of. An awesome song sung with a lot of emotion that deserves some radio play even if the lyrics are more bone than flesh.
8. 20 Years of Snow: A folksy song that leads into an alternative riff. Another song that can't be catagorized. But improvisational Jazz would be the closest. The music for this song sounds like it belongs on a disney cartoon that just took a hit of acid.
9. That Time: The easiest way to explain this song is Punk Ballad. I'm no expert on punk but that's what it reminds me of. It could pass for pop, and is very enjoyable. But a punk song telling a story about nothing nails it on the head.
10. Edit: This song uses catchy music but annoys me after a while because it doesn't really say anything. It reminds me of a bad Suzanne Vega song.
11. Lady: This is a standout song. The first line of this song is "lady sings the blues" probably paying homage to Billie Holidays, Lady(although the lyrics are very differnt). This is a beautiful song that will have you singing it in your head for days. The piano playing is also very nice. But the Jazz horns make you think this song belongs in a Film Noir movie set in 20's. Its just a great song even if you are not a fan of the blues.
12. Summer in the City: The album ends with another Blues song ballad that will make you sad to listen to it even though it really doesn't say anything.

Well that's the songs but I am sure I haven't done them justice. If you love music, you have to listen to this a few times to really begin enjoying it. But its so diverse, you should find some song that will make it worth the cost of the CD. It will remind you of other female singers at times like S.Vega, F.Apple, N. Jones to name a few. But this artist is something different who is sure to build a cult following as the years go by. I can't say all the lyrics in this cd are the best, but the music and total package is top notch. And I would recommend it highly.

Was bored one night from palying video games on the internet and wanted to check out some stuff. Well come what may I start in one area and end up clicking random stuff and wow THE name "Apres Mio" caught my attention. HOLY COW did I love this song! She was palying this tune in concert and some spectator got hurt. She stopped the song and had the crowd part to the person. Then after she/he got help Regina started back up where she left off. What a great person and entertainer. (To bad im in Fla and she palyes eastcoast NY area cause to she her in person would be grand)


So I got this name in my head and started looking up other Spektor stuff. I like most of it. Like any artist they make alot of songs some you like some you dont (but others might like). THis CD has at least 9 that I would put on my favorite "Jungle HEap" cd that I label for randome great songs I like.

This ablum has 9 of 12 that I love. That is a great ablum in my book. Well worth you $. Heck I have bought alblums for one song to find out it was soem crap alblum the artist dumped a quota load into alnog with one good tune. This is not the case here. Lots of wonderful tunes. BEst to say this is like a greatest hits ablum for her with a few added in that are soso. GET THIS CD NOW! I bought this also for my neice who is 24ish for a secret Bday gift and she freaked out that I knew she liked her. Im 41 single parent male (construction worker) and me and my 9 year old daughter love this CD so glad I can get her to take Kidsbop out of my truck cd player once in a while !! HAHA! you parents know what I mean. (BTW this is my first review and my typing and sentace structure sucks yes I know sorry but I wanted to type how I felt ... about her singing)

When I first bought the album I was only really familar with her songs,"Fidelity" and "Samson",and I really liked the two so I decided to buy it. By the 1st song of the album I was hooked. I love the way she sounds and I have huge respect for her since she sings and plays piano on the tracks. She is just one of those very likable artists. I think really anyone would be happy with her music. Those who love Pop,Hip-Hop,Rock,R&B,ect.y​ou'll probbly really like it. :)

9/10

Thanks for Listening,
ElectricScene

Regina Spektor's cd has a lot of interesting tracks that draw you in and keep you there from start to finish. Her lyrics are deep and rich and usually set to decent hooks that grab your attention and soon have you tapping/whistling/head bopping along.

Her music reminds me alot of Tori Amos minus a lot of the anger, but deals in the same relationships. Her voice is very melodic and can enlist feelings of melancholy, joy or even surprise at how she weaves the tracks together. I listen to it often as she really makes you examine moments of your life or people in it with the word play she uses and the easy beats that draw you in. I bought this as a gift for a friend and she shares the same thoughts on it, so I know I'm not too crazy for thinking it a solid effort. You should check it out for yourself if you are a fan of Suzanne Vega or Tori Amos I think you'll enjoy Regina Spektor as well.

If you like Female Vocals, and a sort of hard to descibe style, ...( I'd say alternative / Folk Rock ,... but i'm sure others would argue), .. .. Probably one of the Best Albums of 2006 ! Definately unique.
I particularly like the 2nd song called "Beter", ... but the entire album is quite well done. I would place this album in the same rack with Michelle Branch; Edie Brickell (sp. ?); maybe even with 'The Cranberries"; Annie Lenox: and "'Til Tuesday". ~ ~ I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it. .... and would anticipate more good things to come from this talented lady.