Speak For Yourself

Product Details

Artist : Imogen Heap
Format : Enhanced
Binding : Audio CD
EAN : 0828767253220
Label : Sony Music Canada Inc.
Number of Discs : 1
Product Group : Music
Release Date : 2005-11-08
UPC : 828767253220

ASIN : B000B7BZM4

Track Listings for

Disc-1
1. Headlock
2. Goodnight and Go
3. Have You Got It In You?
4. Loose Ends
5. Hide and Seek
6. Clear The Area
7. Daylight Robbery
8. The Walk
9. Just For Now
10. I Am In Love With You
11. Closing In
12. The Moment I Said It

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Editorial Reviews

From Amazon.com

If the voice sounds familiar, that may be because a couple of tracks have been featured on The O.C., while Frou Frou's "Let Go" appeared in Garden State. (Frou Frou is a collaboration between Heap and producer Guy Sigsworth.) Her sophomore release, after a UK-only debut, is a fine showcase for the singer/songwriter's swooping vocals. Her style, which incorporates layers of multi-tracking, lies somewhere between Sinead O'Connor's banshee howl and Jem's more delicate musings. There's more of a groove to her ouvre, however. At times, she almost sounds like Norway's Annie--by way of Kate Bush. The overall effect is plush and luxurious, if occasionally generic (a more stripped-down approach would really allow that instrument to shine). The one song that doesn't quite fit the electro-pop pattern is the vocoder-saturated "Hide and Seek," in which Heap enters Laurie Anderson territory (specifically 1982's "O Superman"). It's a risk that pays off, although its placement midway through the recording threatens to throw the balance off. (It would have made more sense at the end.) Aside from writing and singing, the multi-talented musician also recorded and produced Speak for Yourself. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews

Mesmerizing... (2008-06-02)

That is the first word to come to mind when I think of Imogen Heap's work. Not only are the songs well done; but they sound nothing like one another. Then take into account that she wrote, produced, and worked for a year creating this album. She sings all the vocals, plays keyboard, synthesizes everything, and re-mortagaged her entire flat/apartment to fund the release (and production) this album. Yet, the songs and CD still own a professional quality. Now, this, dear reader, is what I call a labour for the love of music. (And, I must add, the quality of this CD alone puts to shame the many artists who are funded automatically; yet release sub-par CDs.)Luckily, Imogen managed to gain enough to fund "Speak For Yourself" and what a CD it is! Imogen's vocals have a very other-worldy feel to them, the vocals are like no other. She has a very nice, calming voice that is pleasant to listen to. She is not afraid to experiment with differing styles - most particularly on "Hide and Seek" where her vocals take on both a synthesized sound (while managing to sound natural) and acapella at the same time. Elsewhere, "The Walk" is sung with a powerful sadness of someone not wanting to feel upset over lost love. Opposite this "Headlock" has a wonder aspect in terms of sound, as if one is in a different world all together. Yet, Imogen also exhibits a tinge of realization, reflection, and forwardness when it comes to another person's excuses. "The Moment I said It" is another fantastic example. Imogen uses her range on this powerful ballad, sounding completely angelic. In fact, it was this very song that caught my attention and made me want to buy this CD in the first place.The songs themselves are, as mentioned, very different from one another. "Headlock" begins on a calm note; but turns up the beat halfway through becoming a completely different song at the end. It is a beautiful piece of music - energizing and powerful. "Goodbye and Go" becomes a song one could dance to. It is fun and playful much like the theme of the song, which revolves around a crush. "Have You Got it in You?" follows in a more serious tone. The keyboards on this song are exquisite, exhibiting a nostalgic and pensive feeling. It is a favourite of mine. "Loose Ends" returns to that dance-like feeling; but this time, Imogen sings in a more serious tone about love gone sour. Accompanied by the the shifting instrumental tunes, the song becomes a standout. You can almost see her wandering around a city thinking about what to say to her man about the mess their relationship has gone though as the beats heighten. "Hide and Seek" becomes the most unique song on the album, by being all acapella, save for the synthesizer sound. Nor is Imogen's creativity stinted: she does not use only conventional instruments. In "Closing In" the beat is created by Imogen banging CD cases against carpet tube castaways. Quite amazing to say the least.Overall, the CD is an absolute gem from beginning to end. Definately recommended.

Stunning vocalist and poet (2007-09-28)

Imogen is truly different and very talented and I can't wait to get her entire collection. I have only had the CD for a week and I think I am wearing it out!

Great Album, Bad Copy "Protection" (2007-04-09)

Describing music is not something I'm really good at - all I can state is that Imogen Heap is a wonderful talent and I highly recommend her music. While I've had the pleasure of listening to Speak For Yourself - an electro-pop gem with heartfelt vocals and superb instrumentation - from start to finish and believe it's more than worth the sale price, one thing keeps me from buying it: the so-called "content protection software that may expose security vulnerability when played on PCs." Since my laptop is currently the only equipment on which I can play this product that is technically not even a CD, it is obviously a big problem for me.Ironic that I sampled this album through the dreaded internet file-sharing phenomenon and yet I can't listen to a legitimate recording unless I'm willing to install some annoying and potentially harmful software. Even if I had a regular CD player, I refuse to justify this practice by a company that's clearly more interested in profit than what's best for consumers, or even the artist. Last year I bought another disc with similar copy "protection" (because Amazon.ca didn't describe it as such) and I have yet to unwrap it. When I find an undoctored CD of Speak For Yourself, I will be more than happy to purchase it.

Fresh, and Unique! (2006-09-14)

Every track on this album is amazing. From the striking vocals of hide and seek, to the funky dance to the beat grooves of "I Am In Love With U", Imogen Heap is an artist not to be missed. Producing your own record has its benifits, including not being pushed by producers and executive.Bravo!

Immi Really Sings Her Heart Out (2006-03-24)

On first listen to Speak For Yourself, I must admit I was smitten. By about the 4th and 5th listen I was quite simply in love with this lady's singing/songwriting ability. Immi's vocal styling and use of verse have a wonderful swirling quality - over and under and eveywhere in between, offering up a much more mature range of melody, which is a nice change from the corporate crap out there.

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