Beth Orton Comfort Of Strangers Pop Music CD Review
Beth Orton is a British singer-songwriter, known for her unique blend of folk, electronica, and pop music. Her third album, Comfort of Strangers, released in 2006, showcases her distinctive style and soulful vocals. The album is a departure from her previous work, with a stripped-down sound and a focus on raw emotions and personal lyrics. In this review, we’ll dive into the tracks that make up Comfort of Strangers and explore why it’s one of Beth Orton’s most compelling works.
The album opens with the title track, “Comfort of Strangers”. The song is a melancholy ballad, with Orton’s voice expressing a deep sense of loneliness and a search for comfort. The acoustic guitar and piano create a soft, introspective atmosphere, while the subtle strings in the background add a haunting touch. The lyrics are simple but poignant, with Orton conveying a sense of vulnerability and a yearning for human connection. “So I will follow the comfort of strangers, I’ll never look back, never ask why,” she sings, capturing the universal longing for a place to belong.
The second track, “Countenance”, is an upbeat folk-pop tune with a catchy melody. Orton’s voice is warm and inviting, and the instrumentation is layered with acoustic guitars, percussion, and a touch of electronic elements. The lyrics are about the fleeting nature of love and the beauty of the present moment. “Now you’re moving on, but you’ll keep on shining like the sun,” she sings, reminding us to appreciate the people and experiences we have in our lives.
“Shopping Trolley” is a standout track on the album, with its witty lyrics and quirky instrumentation. The song is about a woman’s obsession with shopping and the comfort she finds in buying material possessions. Orton’s voice is playful, and the background vocals add a fun, whimsical element to the song. The use of percussion and samples creates a percussive groove that is both modern and nostalgic. “When you’re shopping for love, you’ll never get enough,” she sings, satirizing our consumer culture while also acknowledging the human desire for connection.
“Feral Children” is a haunting folk ballad that explores the darker sides of human nature. Orton’s voice is hushed and ethereal, and the acoustic guitar and strings create an eerie, atmospheric backdrop. The lyrics are enigmatic, with references to the jungle and the animal world. “Feral children in the forest, do not know who they are,” she sings, suggesting that we’re all animals at heart and that we’re not always in control of our instincts.
“Rectify” is a soulful, gospel-influenced track that showcases Orton’s powerful vocals. The song is about forgiveness and redemption, with Orton’s voice soaring over a full choir and an organ. The lyrics are emotional and introspective, with Orton asking for forgiveness and a chance to start anew. “I’ll rectify, I’ll rectify, I’ll rectify, I swear,” she sings, expressing a deep sense of remorse and a desire to change.
“A Place Aside” is a tender, acoustic love song that showcases Orton’s skill as a songwriter. The melody is simple and melodic, with the sparse instrumentation allowing her voice to shine through. The lyrics are romantic and heartfelt, with Orton singing about the safe haven she’s found with her partner. “You’re a place aside, where I can hide, when things get too much,” she sings, conveying a sense of trust and intimacy.
“Safe in Your Arms” is a slow, dreamy ballad that explores the concept of home. Orton’s voice is gentle and soothing, and the acoustic guitar and piano create a serene backdrop. The lyrics are about finding comfort and security in someone else’s embrace. “I’m safe in your arms, where time cannot touch,” she sings, reminding us that love can be a refuge from the chaos of the world.
“Conceived” is a haunting, experimental track that showcases Orton’s love of electronica. The song is atmospheric and otherworldly, with Orton’s voice layered over abstract sounds and samples. The lyrics are about the mysteries of childbirth, with Orton contemplating the wonder and strangeness of life. “Conceived in some other time, with an endless stretch of sky,” she sings, suggesting that life is full of surprises and unknowns.
“Absinthe” is a bluesy, jazzy track that showcases Orton’s versatility as a singer. The song is sultry and atmospheric, with Orton’s voice evoking the smoky atmosphere of a jazz club. The electric guitar and piano create a moody backdrop, while the lyrics describe the toxic effects of absinthe. “Green and sweet, and dances like a flame,” she sings, suggesting that pleasure can sometimes be dangerous.
Finally, the album closes with “Heartland Truckstop”, a tender acoustic ballad that sums up the album’s themes of love, loss, and redemption. Orton’s voice is intimate and heartfelt, and the acoustic guitar and strings create a warm, comforting atmosphere. The lyrics are simple but emotional, with Orton singing about the road she’s traveled and the lessons she’s learned. “All my days are upside-down, but I can see my way now,” she sings, suggesting that even in the darkest of times, there’s always hope.
In conclusion, Comfort of Strangers is a remarkable album that showcases Beth Orton’s talent as a singer, songwriter, and producer. The album is a departure from her previous work, with a more stripped-down sound and a focus on personal lyrics and raw emotions. The songs range from haunting folk ballads to bluesy jazz tunes, with each track showcasing a different aspect of Orton’s personality. Whether you’re a fan of folk, pop, or electronica, Comfort of Strangers is an album that’s sure to delight and inspire.