Delta Goodrem - Delta (12 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

A New Direction For A New Delta

Gregory R. Josephs | Boston, MA USA | 10/24/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Delta Goodrem's third full-length release is as infectious as it is different. The album, titled simply 'Delta' marks a departure from the style of her two previous releases 'Innocent Eyes' and 'Mistaken Identity.' Avid Delta fans will notice a great contrast to these previous works.

The instrumentation is broad and diverse. Where Delta's impressive piano playing has stood center stage in much of her previous work, in this release it is present but somehow muted. Filling the space left behind is an array of electronic instruments, percussion, and a heavier presence of guitar. The sound spaces alternate between close and dry, and sweeping, ambient, reverb-friendly joy.

But the instrumentation is not all that's changed. As if to complete the transformation, Delta is clearly taking chances with her musical style. Don't worry, there are plenty of traditional Delta-style ballads on this album, but she flirts with R&B hip-hop and reggae-esque influences on the song 'You Will Only Break My Heart.' The song 'Woman' could almost be country, and 'Possessionless' is certainly Delta's most technically interesting 'pop' song to present.

The album's structure is also pleasantly cohesive. Opening with the stunningly beautiful ''Believe Again,' (of which there must certainly be numerous remixes forthcoming) the track list flows through the first single, 'In This Life' into increasingly adventurous musical territory. The second half of the album tames a bit as it moves through moody slower-tempo ballads before picking up again with the impeccable 'Brave Face.' The album finishes strong with the comparatively stripped down 'Angels In The Room.'

The album falters a bit when it reaches 'Bare Hands,' an entire four minutes devoted to the metaphor of love being like picking thorny roses. Delta's lyric writing is not at its strongest with this track. Ms. Goodrem simply takes the analogy a step too far with lines like "Don't love me with gloves on" and "Make me feel I'm worth the scratches." Complete with electronic instrumentation more appropriate for an album by Usher, this is the weakest and most forgettable track on the album.

The only other element of 'Delta' that keeps the album from achieving irrefutable greatness is that it feels far less personal than her previous releases. Given her now three year old relationship with Brian McFadden, it is difficult to see Delta currently relating to songs such as 'Woman,' (about being under-appreciated and neglected in a relationship) and 'I Can't Break It To My Heart,' (about the recent loss of a mature relationship). Given the intense 'Delta under the microscope' feel of 'Mistaken Identity' in particular, it feels as if something is missing here. However, taking into account the overall quality of the album, this can be nearly overlooked.

Complete with a new sound and new image, Delta's 'Delta' is a fantastic purchase, and certainly worth the cost of being an import."

A good listen but too slick on the production side.

Michael Meredith | St. Louis, MO United States | 07/31/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I could be far more enthusiastic about Delta Goodrem if she had a more unique style all her own. From the first track of this CD on, I couldn't shake the feeling that she was trying to become a Celine Dion/Madonna hybrid. She definitely has the pipes, but a look at the notes for this album gives me a hint at where it goes wrong. To quote... "the music on Delta was made with the assistance of a world-class collection of producers that include John Shanks (Kelly Clarkson), Marius DeVries (Madonna, U2) and Steve Kipner's team (Christina Aguilera, Natasha Bedingfield)." That's far too much "slick production" that renders a commercially pleasant but unfulfilling and ultimately forgettable listening experience.

It's not a bad effort, but when you listen closely to Delta's lyrics you can't help but get the feeling that these guys just weren't taking her seriously. Her song writing talent is solid, but the CD is over wrought with lush strings and synthesized techno beats.

I wouldn't suggest that you give up on Delta, not by a long shot. But I would hope that on her next album she takes a little more control and not listen to so many other voices. She's young and promising, and the geniuses that built their reputations carrying the water and sliding the buttons for other singers need to realize that she can be special on her own.

"

Great Voice and Positive Lyrics

scesq | New Milford, New Jersey USA | 08/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Delta Goodrem is a great singer with a beautiful voice. The songs on this album which I enjoyed the most were the ones that allowed her voice to shine.

My favorite songs on the album are Believe Again, In This Life, Angels In the Room and Possessionless.

The lyrics to Believe Again talk about faith in love being restored and a heart healed. This Life tells of being put on this earth to find our one true love and finding that true love. Angels In The Room talks about how despite all the wrong turns love is found and it must have been Angles in the room that allowed this love to happen. Possessionless talks about being totally open with the one you love.

God Laughs, Woman and I Can't Break It To My Heart are also good songs but the lyrics take on tough issues. God Laughs talks about how bad things can unexpectedly happen so be prepared. Woman talks about a woman wanting more from her love. I Can't Break It To My Heart talks about being afraid to acknowledge that love may be lost.

I only found out after listening to this cd that Delta won a battle with cancer. This explains the serious tone in some of her songs. It also explains the theme of overcoming obstacles in many of the songs as well.

Delta's amazing voice and the positive lyrics make me want to listen to this album again and again. I look forward to her next album.

"

Amazing Talent

Irishgal | Arizona, USA | 09/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was first introduced to Delta Goodrem while living in Northern Ireland back in 2004. Immediately, I was shocked at the amazing talent from such a young woman. It's rare to find someone with such a strong voice that doesn't shatter glass with a super-high pitch. Combine that with honest lyrics and it was obvious why Delta was a huge success in the U.K.

Fast forward to 2008, and I'm delighted to find that Delta has released her most recent album here in the U.S. It's obvious that this record was meant for American consumption; yet, this does not detract from it's beauty. Initially, I was like some of the other reviewers, feeling like I'd been let down. But upon listening to it more, I find that I've got several of these songs stuck in my head, and I don't mind at all.

Some highlights from the album:

'Born to Try': This was Delta's first Australian single back in 2003, and I'm thrilled to find it here. The song is about finding yourself and realizing what you were meant to do in life - something we can relate to, regardless of age.

'Brave Face': Since she recorded the song 'Almost Here' with pop sensation Brian McFadden in 2004, Delta has been under scrutiny for her relationship with the Irish star. In this tune, she takes out what may be her frustrations of dealing with the paparazzi and the media, albeit in a very uplifting voice.

'In This Life': The album's first single is, without a doubt, it's finest song. The constant piano and catchy lyrics are easy to sing along to, and the beat is something that draws you in.

I've heard Delta Goodrem compared to a young Celine Dion, and I find that, to a certain extent, I agree. Their vocal ranges are similar, and Delta's music is certainly similar to what Celine has been releasing as of late. However, considering that Delta herself is a songwriter and co-wrote nearly every tune on the album, there is a definite difference. In addition, the 23-year old Aussie seems to have more innocence and honesty than I've heard from Dion in quite some time.

Looking for a fresh voice that hasn't been over-played on American airwaves? Try Delta Goodrem. There's a reason she took Australia by storm."

Good for some, but not for me

Lee Gaiteri | Syracuse, NY USA | 11/01/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I haven't been sure how to classify this CD, because "pop" doesn't describe it properly at all. The style reminds me more of Celine Dion, mostly downbeat ballads with high-intensity vocals. For this reason, Delta's CD didn't really work for me. To give an example, the first track "Believe Again" showcases Delta's vocal talents very well, and the music has moments that seem like you could almost get lost in it, but in the chorus the combination of lead vocal, backup vocals, and music becomes overwhelming. Most of the CD has this sort of feel to it; each song seemed to start out sounding like it would be different and provide some variety, but by the chorus they all seemed too much alike.

"You Will Only Break My Heart" was one of the few standouts for me, because it was the closest song to actual pop on the whole CD. It was the most upbeat as well. It still didn't quite fit in with typical radio pop, but I liked it. My favorite track however was the similarly titled "I Can't Break It To My Heart". It's another slow ballad, but it kept things simple and had a very pleasing warm, heartfelt sincerity. Everything seemed to gel well for this song, and I found myself singing it well after I listened to it.

On the whole, Delta's music just didn't fit me. Her singing is perfectly good, but somehow the arrangements almost never seemed "right". I frequently had the feeling while I listened to it that her music would appeal very much to someone else, but for me it just didn't click."

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