Heather Nova

Oyster

Heather Nova's best CD!

Review Score:

(10/10)
I was initially turned on to Heather Nova in 1995 when I heard "Walk This World" on the radio, and I thought, "This chick is cool." It wasn't until recently that I rediscovered her music through a friend, and I have never been more grateful. "Oyster" is a smooth ride -- beautiful, melodic compositions paired with a few of rockers.

The biggest rival on the album to "Walk This World" is probably "Sugar," which really kicks it. It's sweet and melancholy, a poetic piece until the growling guitar and drums come in and turn it into a raucous number almost worthy of the mosh pit. Heather isn't afraid to show her anger in this song, but she executes is far more effectively than a lot of mainstream artists I can think of. "Throwing Fire At The Sun" is also fun, more passionate than raucous, though.

Sensitive is probably the word the comes to mind most for the remainder of the tracks. "Doubled Up" is a tender love song, as is "Walking Higher." "Island" is a painful track, which I've heard was written in memory of Nicole Brown Simpson. The best track on the CD is probably "Verona," a rocker which is the sonic equivalent of tension and intensity, with powerful lyrics like "Romeo, you are priceless, lifeless, skipping star to scar to star."

I love this album! If you're new to Heather, this is probably your best bet -- it's her most diverse album, although if you're up for more of a mainstream or "upbeat" sound, you'd better go with Siren, but I think this definitely a superior album.

More Reviews: