A few weeks ago I posted an article about one of New Zealand's best exports - Brooke Fraser. Brooke's third studio album Flags was released last week... and yes, it lives up to expectations.
The album kick starts with the lead single Something in the Water, which is a catchy pop song that commercial stations will like, funnily enough with just a little taste of country in it. Don't let country tab alarm you however, it ain't no Taylor Swift (thank God) as it works and definitely adds something a little extra to the track.
Betty (co-written by Switchfoot's Jon Foreman) is another catchy tune that you'll be singing in no time; as is Coachella (one of my favourites), which reminds me a lot of Lifeline off the What To Do With Daylight album. Either of those tracks could be released as singles and they would do well both on radio airplay and chart wise.
Another stand out for me is Who Are We Fooling? which features UK artist Aqualung. Great vocals, and for me I hear a different Brooke to which we've heard before. Crows & Locusts reminds me a lot of Australia's own Bertie Blackman - a little haunting, yet utterly superb.
And Jack Kerouac makes you feel like someone has thrown a little UB40 into the mix, reggae style 2010. I wasn't a fan of it originally, however as I write this listening to the track I've noticed I'm almost shimmying in my seat. Guess that means it's grown on me.Overall, Brooke has delivered. Her vocals, writing and overall production of the album has matured, and for nothing but the better. Don't get me wrong, there is certainly nothing wrong with her previous albums, in fact Albertine is an all time favourite for me; however Brooke has grown and I love what I hear.
In the last week Flags has debuted at #3 on the ARIA Albums Chart - her highest placed album in Australia so far - and #1 on the RIANZ Albums Chart in New Zealand.
Flags is available via iTunes now.
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