Rabbits on the Run by Vanessa Carlton

Vanessa Carlton’s new album, Rabbits on the Run, proves that she is still going strong. After a good number of years of not hearing much from Carlton, especially any hits, her latest release has demonstrated that she is not an artist to fall through the cracks. This album refutes any previous belief that Carlton was only a one-hit wonder.

The opening track and lead single, “Carousel,” charms the listener with its piano riffs and delightful vocals. The children’s choir in the background of the song and the imagery-filled lyrics create an enchanting experience. The hit makes the listener want to hear more of the album. With that kind of opening, who wouldn’t want to listen further?

Other tracks such as “London,” “Get Good” and “I Don’t Wanna Be a Bride” assert Carlton’s independence. As best exemplified through these three songs, the album is a perfect mix of melodic pop and sharp uniqueness. “Dear California” nicely blends a sense of modern pop with a sound like that of The Beach Boys.

Although the album is not something that will be remembered thirty years down the road, Carlton’s incredible piano playing (as well as a few guitar appearances) and sweet, harmonious voice make Rabbits on the Run a collection of songs that many listeners will enjoy. The lyrics of the various tracks are well thought out and generate emotion within the audience. She may not be producing hits every few months, but when she does release tracks, we know that that the songs were not just dabbled with for a few weeks; these have years of thought and sentiment thrown into them.

Rabbits on the Run is special because of its ability to make listeners see Vanessa Carlton in an entirely different but positive light. The added respect that comes from the re-evaluation of long-standing impressions makes the album something great.

Comments

There are no comments.

To comment on this article login or register.

More Reviews

The Sparrow by Lawrence Arabia

08/09/2012
Oceania by The Smashing Pumpkins

06/25/2012
What We Saw From the Cheap Seats by Regina Spektor

06/14/2012
Born and Raised by John Mayer

06/10/2012
Bloom by Beach House

05/29/2012
Early Takes Volume 1 by George Harrison

05/27/2012

CelebSelect

Danielle Panabaker's Top Pop Picks
- Favorite Band: The Avett Brothers
  
  "I'm really into the Avett Brothers as of late."
- Favorite Book: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
  
  "My girlfriends are I - we are very nerdy. We started a book club and the first book we read was Gone Girl."
- Favorite New Movie: Silver Linings Playbook
  
  "I thought it was a great film and I thought Jennifer Lawrence was incredible, you know those angry tears, I've certainly experienced that."
Paul Van Dyk: Current Favorites
- School of the Seven Bells
  
  The New York-based band unites Benjamin Curtis of "Secret Machines" and Alejandra Deheza. Formed in 2007, the duo is named after a mythical South American pickpocket training academy of the same name.
- Linkin Park
  
  The Californian rock veterans have come a long way since 'Hybrid Theory.' Back now with their fifth studio album in over a decade, 'Living Things' is one of Paul Van Dyck's favorite albums this year.
- Jupiter Jones
  
  The German punk rock band formed in 2002, but has already released several LPs, including an eponymously-named album in 2011.
- Depeche Mode
  
  The legendary Essex electronic band from the 80s remains a classic for Van Dyk. It was also recently among 'Q' magazine's "50 Bands That Changed The World!".
Cody Simpson
- Favorite Movie
  I'm still really into the Ocean's series. I got into them recently. I was always too young to watch them.
- Favorite Book
  This book called Contest by Matthew Reilly, he's an Australian author.
- Favorite Album
  Drake's Take Care — big fan of that
- Favorite TV Show
  The Mentalist
Styx's Lawrence Gowan
- Bossypants by Tina Fey
  
  "That’s got me laughing hysterically on airplanes."
- Making Mirrors by Goyte
  
  "I thought that was a tremendous record."
- The Artist
  
  "It really impressed me."
- Keane
  
  "They’re really strong."
90210's Michael Steger: My Favorite Stuff
- Favorite TV Show: Rome
  
  HBO's series starring Cirian Hinds
- Favorite Album: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
  
  "Either that or The Gypsy Kings."
- Favorite Book: The Fountainhead
  
  "Probably my favorite book of all time."
- Favorite New Movie: Attack The Block
  
  “It reminded me of The Goonies.”