Hopeful Romantic [Barnes & Noble Exclusive]

by Renee Stahl

Overview

Singer/songwriter Renee Stahl doesn't fit neatly in any particular subgenre. Sharing some characteristics with everyone from Patty Griffin and Dar Williams to Sarah McLachlan and Beth Orton, Stahl creates an appealing, cozy style of AAA folk-pop that's conducive to lazy afternoons in suburban coffeehouses but not so vapid that it isn't suitable for any other locations. Ranging from simple, largely acoustic and folk-based tunes like "You Didn't Know" to lusher songs like the Aimee Mann-like ballad "Isn't It Easy" and the sweetly poppy, radio-friendly first single "Music 101," Hopeful Romantic is a mild but appealing set. The biggest surprise is "Adore," an electronic ballad presented in two versions, both of which recall Everything But the Girl's mid-'90s dip into downtempo club music. It's testament to Stahl's vocal skill that neither version sounds like either a sell-out attempt or a bid for credibility in a genre outside her own, but the song does rather stick out in these mellow surroundings. ~ Stewart Mason

Product Details

Release Date:	04/24/2007
Label:	Bighelium Records
UPC:	0635961090922

Tracks

1. Run
2. You Didn't Know
3. Music 101
4. Nothing's Missing
5. Smallest Eyes
6. Adore (Yachts in Space Mix)
7. Isn't It Easy
8. Different Roads
9. Something Real
10. Hidden Soul
11. Daydreamer's Dream
12. Adore

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Renee Stahl   Primary Artist,Vocals (Background),Guitar
Bill Lefler   Percussion,Bas Dessus,Wurlitzer,Mellotron,Guitar,Piano,Drums,Bass
Chad Fischer   Drums
James Hood   Drums
Mike Schmid   Piano
Byron Thames   Piano
Kevin Hunter   Piano
Jano Janosik   Drums
Probyn Gregory   Flugelhorn
Leslie King   Vocals (Background)
Richard Jacques   Piano,Guitar,Guitar (Electric)

Technical Credits

James Hood   Mixing,Producer,Drum Programming,Synthesizer Programming
Kevin Hunter   Arranger,Composer,Photography
Hugo Vereker   A&R,Mixing,Executive Producer
Lee Spencer   Atmosphere,Synthesizer Programming
Bill Lefler   Producer,Mixing
Renee Stahl   Composer
Leslie King   Composer
Ron Boustead   Mastering
Richard Jacques   Mixing,Composer,Producer,Performer