NEW Album Review: Far - Regina Spektor (by Ally and Ellie)

I had never heard of Regina Spektor before the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, in which her song “The Call” is featured. I fell completely in love with this song and the artist who created it, so I started checking out some of Spektor’s other hits and I have become a huge fan of her work. Spektorʼs new album Far, released on Tuesday June 23rd, is a wonderful and diverse mixture of tracks: from funky, upbeat tunes that are perfect to sing along to on a sunny summer day while driving down the highway with the windows down, to lyrical songs which are made for rainy, contemplative days indoors, and draw you into the stories they are telling. Highly recommended for Spektor fans.

Here’s a rundown of the tracks:

1. The Calculation- Fun song that makes you want to bop about. It also really makes you think about how love isn’t just an equation that gives you the same answer every time, no matter which numbers you plug in. Some listeners might be disappointed to discover that math class wasn’t the hardest thing in life.
2. Eet- A sorrowful but soulful tune that, at first, just makes you want to curl up in a blanket on your couch and wonder why, but by the end makes you want to jump up and search for the answers and reasons. “It’s like forgetting the words to your favorite song/ You can’t believe it/ You were always singing along/ It was so easy and the words so sweet/ You can’t remember, you try to feel the beat”.
   
3. Blue Lips- This song tells the story of a man who is discontent with life. The detailed lyrics and the harmonies of the piano draw you in, and you can’t wait to hear the story unfold. Spektor’s vocals sound strong and effortless over the soaring instrumentals, yet it is the notes she sings for the more subdued chorus that are truly gorgeous.
4. Folding Chair- A cheerful song which reminds you to truly appreciate the simple things in life. A quirky chorus imitating “dolphin song” and lyrics like “I’ve got a perfect body ‘cause my eyelashes catch my sweat”, round out this track.
5. Machine- A song about mankind’s dependency on electronics with constant moving rhythms in the piano that paint the picture of a machine in the listener’s mind. Spektor somehow manages to make scathing social commentary sound sexy.
6. Laughing With- A song that everyone can relate to with a sarcastic refrain designed to make people see the hypocrisy of themselves or others, and a message that is particularly relevant politically and socially these days. This is one of the more religious tracks on this album, but Spektor’s sweet sincerity is completely disarming and saves it from coming across as preachy.
7. Human of the Year- Another one of Spektorʼs lyrical songs. It tells the story of a man who won the Human of the Year award. Melodically, it purposefully begins a little on the mundane side, but evolves into a soaring gospel feel towards the end of the song.
8. Two Birds- An upbeat, metaphorical song about a woman who is ready to go out and conquer the world while her man is a bit hesitant.
9. Dance Anthem of the 80ʼs- Cute little song that really does remind you of the chart toppers of the 80ʼs. And if you think the song itself is adorable, wait until you see the music video!
10. Genius Next Door- A melancholy song telling the story of a misunderstood man and the indifferent community he lives in. Not the most memorable track on this exceptional album, but very pretty.
11. Wallet- A woman wonders about the man behind the wallet. This track really speaks to the listener, and might make you examine your own wallet more closely, curious to see what its contents say about you as a person.
12. One More Time With Feeling- An uplifting song that takes Shakespeare’s quote “all the world’s a stage” to heart. It certainly wouldn’t seem out of place being sung on stage in a musical.
13. Man of a Thousand Faces- A slow and haunting song that leaves you feeling pensive and wanting more.
    

Ellie's favorite tracks: "The Calculation", "Blue Lips", and "Dance Anthem of the 80s".

Ally's favorite tracks: "Folding Chair", "The Calculation", and "Laughing With".

All in all, a lovely album that is well worth the purchase.

COMING THURSDAY: A playlist of the best of Regina Spektor's previous albums! All part of Regina Spektor Week here on Moxie & Mayhem!