"Breaking the Habit", Joanna McMeikan's solo debut, is thoughtful, intelligent, sometimes edgy, sometimes heartbreakingly beautiful, always unique singer/songwriter material. If you enjoy the hauntingly beautiful music of... more » Sarah McLachlan, the edginess of Fiona Apple, the vocal abilities of Jewel, the creativity of Kate Bush and Bjork or the songwriting of Sting, this is the album for you. "Breaking the Habit" was praised by Gian Fiero as "A stellar showcase of radio friendly, commercially viable songs which consistently deliver: musically, vocally, lyrically, and artistically on the highest levels." (The Muse's Muse). The album was co-produced by Joanna McMeikan and Mario Maisonnave.« less
"Breaking the Habit", Joanna McMeikan's solo debut, is thoughtful, intelligent, sometimes edgy, sometimes heartbreakingly beautiful, always unique singer/songwriter material. If you enjoy the hauntingly beautiful music of Sarah McLachlan, the edginess of Fiona Apple, the vocal abilities of Jewel, the creativity of Kate Bush and Bjork or the songwriting of Sting, this is the album for you. "Breaking the Habit" was praised by Gian Fiero as "A stellar showcase of radio friendly, commercially viable songs which consistently deliver: musically, vocally, lyrically, and artistically on the highest levels." (The Muse's Muse). The album was co-produced by Joanna McMeikan and Mario Maisonnave.
CD Reviews
A Beautifully Compelling Debut...
Ed | CA, USA | 06/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the ominous opening strains of "Again" to the plaintive longing of the closing track "Today", Ms. McMeikan has crafted a beautifully compelling debut filled with brutally honest lyrics and lush yet uncluttered orchestration. Joanna's skill as both composer and singer shine thru on every track as each haunting melody embraces the pain, darkness, love, loss and redemption of the human experience and beyond. Her angelic voice rises and swirls with emotion, leaving no doubt that every word and every note come from the only place that matters... the heart."
Remarkable Debut Album
Cheryl Carroll | San Diego, CA | 06/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the foreboding drums that open "Again" to the final melancholy piano chords of "Today," we accompany singer-songwriter Joanna McMeikan on an intimate journey through themes of bitterness, disappointment, obsession, and betrayal in her first, and very remarkable, solo album "Breaking the Habit."An emotional adventuress and heartbreakingly vulnerable storyteller, McMeikan sings of being replaced by a trophy girl in "Galatea," plays the "other woman" trapped by her desires in "Lover of Mine," experiences compelling disillusionment in "Out of Mind," and satirically spoofs her prozac "highs" in "Rainbow." Each song is individually unique and compelling. "Past Unconditional" is my favorite, with its exotic rhythms, great brass arrangements, spoken lyrics, and complex, intriguing themes of past lives and former loves. Although the life lessons contained here are hard-learned, McMeikan's solid musicianship, emotional honesty, eloquent multi-layered lyrics, lovely voice, and versatile, spot-on performances transform her melancholy themes into something eloquent, engaging, and yes, even hopeful. We trust that broken heart and troubled mind will be healed by the sheer beauty of her heroic quest as narrated in this courageous and extraordinary debut album."
A CD stunner!
Big M Reviewer | England | 06/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is really exciting new music. Fascinating grooves plus heartstoppingly beautiful ballads. Addictive melodies develop alongside meaningful words. "Today" and "January Snow" just make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck! This is songwriting and production at its very best."
Unforgettable intelligent pop
E. J. Reeves | UK | 06/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You must hear this album if you like Dido, Katie Melua or just like good music. Joanna has an incredible way with a melody - all the songs are instantly accessible, but like the lyrics, the tunes have an edge and a bittersweet twist. The extremely catchy "Merry-Go-Round" will strike a chord with anyone who's ever felt "middle-aged at twenty-five" and longed to wake up in a gutter again; "Rainbow" is a sweetly ironic hymn to the joys of Prozac; "Galatea" blasts a lover who chooses a "china doll" over an inspiring, complicated woman. The album ends with the mature, complex "Today", which sadly asserts that "they say that in time we'll be saved - it's a lie - all we have is today." The intelligent lyrics and haunting melodies, combined with Joanna's astonishing voice - wispy one minute, belting rock-chick the next - add up to an unforgettable album. Check out this unique new artist."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1