Customer Reviews

A Perfect Contradiction

The first time I heard Stone Cold Sober, I was blown away by the voice. On her third studio album, Paloma Faith is still playing to her strengths, but has got some major back up this time. When I heard the opening bars of Can't Rely On You, I could feel the Pharrell influence, even before I was aware he was the producer, and there is a touch of class about the whole album.

The tone of the album follows the often-doomed-love mood of previous albums, but that doesn't mean it's a downbeat album. It's full of disco beats, guitar riffs, gospel and soul, and it's terrific to listen to. I'm still not sure it's as good as her debut, but it's still a great album, and one I will listen to again and again.

I was so excited when I got this album, Paloma has my attention in every song she sings, her words tell a story, I love this album, thank you Paloma Faith.

Amazing!
Not a bad song! As good as her pervious work. Can't stop playing the album! Buy you won't be disappointed.

Paloma has upped the tempo and produced an amazing CD. Cannot stop playing it- favourite CD of the year so far

Once again Paloma explodes back onto the scene proving once and for all she is a vocal powerhouse. Paloma was most definitely born in the wrong generation. With Pharell produced tracks Paloma's beats are that bit more slicker. A perfect blend of heart ache and get on your feet and dance. She always manages to hit you where it hurts with her distinctive vocals...an album to be heard live for sure....Bravo Paloma.

This is yet another cracking album from an artist who is not afraid to experiment with her music. If you like her voice, give it a try

Paloma Faith has previously released two past albums that were, in my opinion, nothing short of pop perfection. However, upon hearing Can't Rely On You I wasn't quite sure what to expect - I'm not a fan of Pharell Williams which probably explains it. But the track is a grower and that is what can be said for most of the record.

Faith has said in a few interviews that she wanted to make a dance record with all killer and no filler. From the first three tracks this is very apparent. Can't Rely On You, Mouth To Mouth and Take Me are a trio of very danceable tracks that hark back to the glory days of Motown which is very much suited to Paloma's "Cabaret-esque" voice. Although Pharell only appears on the opening track, it is clear where his influence has been left within the rest of the songs.

Only Love Can Hurt Like This isn't quite up to her usual standards however, in fact it is considerably worse than I expect from her. The song just seems to drag on and the harmonies are few and far between - even when they are there they are heavily auto tuned.

After that A Perfect Contradiction romps through sad songs to happy tunes and all of them are totally single worthy (though it is indicating the mediocre Only Love Can Hurt Like This is up to be the next single). Any fans of Paloma or of Motown will probably find a lot in this record. Although it may not be Do you Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful in terms of elegance, this is definitely a worthy entry into Faith's catalogue.

8.5/10

I found this very different to her two previous albums - both of which I love. It will probably take me a few listens to make up my mind on this new style.

This CD is a bit of a disappointment. Long awaited as a Paloma fan, it doesnt compare at all to her last two cds at all. Perhaps it will be a grower.

I have seen and heard Paloma Faith from her early days of dark cellar bars and first radio plays. I have loved the raw energy she portrayed, her fantastic voice, original music and her colourful stage presence. How could I not have been drawn in by a powerful single, wonderful (typical) romanticised artwork, and again, the radio and video coverage of live performances. However, I can honestly say, for me, the album is a total disappointment. Overproduction and electro beats are not what Paloma Faith needs, she already has the qualities mentioned by the bucket load. The opening track is powerful, but overpowered by the excessive booming beat. Followed quickly by 10 manufactured tracks, that I can't help feeling, do not do Paloma justice at all. BUT not all is lost, because the best is yet to come, found in the extra bonus tracks, a 'kitchen' version of 'Can't Rely On You', is superb, followed up with, 'Trouble With My Baby', Only Love Can Hurt Like This' and the final track gratefully received, 'Its Not The Knowing'. This is the album for me, the rest will never get played at home, no doubt they will be aired on radio and in the clubs. It will not stop me looking out for Paloma in the future, its would be hard to believe you can produce consistent top albums on a production line. Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful? Truth is, the final 4 tracks would have made a great EP, the rest, personally, should have been left in the studio, I await future developments with interest. Paloma, you are better than this. it receives 2 stars, those are purely for the 'extras'.