Amy MacDonald is that proverbial old head on young shoulders, a Scottish singer-songwriter who, despite her tender 19 years, writes songs with the grace, wisdom, and proficiency of one with a score more on the clock. As influenced by the Libertines as by any venerable old folk hand, the eleven songs on This Is the Life combine a traditional, acoustic folk-rock sound with a youthful spirit and self-assured lyrics that veer between the observational and the confessional. "Poison Prince" is a jagged guitar strut dedicated to some Doherty-like bad boy, a song every bit as pathos-laden as the Libertines at their doomed, romantic best with a closing treatise to find "An upbeat song/So we can dance the night away," while "Mr. Rock & Roll" begins as a wryly withering jibe at some perennial party animals, but by the chorus has softened into a subtle, touching tale of human coupling. MacDonald's age doesn't seem to have been an impediment--"Youth of Today," reportedly written when she was 15, is one of the better tracks here, while "Footballer's Wife" is a clear-headed attack on vapid Barbie-doll celebrity that suggests this girl is very much on the right track. "Rolling Stone, here I come, watch out everyone/I'm singing my song," she sings on "Let's Start a Band." Let that be a warning to you. --Louis Pattison
Amy MacDonald Photos
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Celtic delights.:
"This Is The Life" is a very folk like Celtic album, deep with roots and blossoming with some great song writing.
People will compare Amy with KT Tunstall (and in a way, also to the never forgotten young Tanita Tikaram), that's for certain, but did KT Tunstall write an album as good as this when she was at such a tender age? I think not.
Comparisons with KT are inevitable. For a start, they're both Scottish, articulate, gorgeous, gifted singer songwriters, produce beautifully balanced pop -... more info
Best CD of the year, period:
of course if you are into the Pussycat Dolls, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry etc you might not agree. But for anyone into great music this is one incredibly well written, well crafted, beautiful CD. And what a voice.
Bring the coffee house home:
I would describe her voice as a mix between Natalie Merchant & The Cranberries. Every now and again it reminded me of a calmer Alanis Morissette. It's bright and very instrumental. The CD begins with a song that sounds like waking up in the morning and ends beautifully with a sign off song "The Road to Home." Very folk, inspirational, and you can't help but tap your toes to every song. It makes me think of the music you hear in Starbucks while drinking your coffee and chatting with your... more info
she is amazing:
Amy is a great singer, her voice is powerful and very pleasant.
I love the song This is the Life, especially the acoustic version.
Tracks:
Mr. Rock & Roll
This Is The Life
Poison Prince
Youth Of Today
Run
Let's Start A Band
Barrowland Ballroom
L.A.
A Wish For Something More
Footballer's Wife
This is the Life (Acoustic Amazon Exclusive MP3 track)
