I'm Sorry but I Don't Love IYD (Yet)

[SapphireSister]

I will attempt to articulate this the best that I can but please remember guys - this is a discussion board and we are going to have differing opinions. If we all felt exactly the same about everything it could get quite boring. You guys know I am a die-hard chiffonhead and defend Stevie till I'm blue in the face but I just can't bring myself to gush over this album. Here's why:
I've given the album a listen of the last few days and did not want to make my initial assessment until I gave it a chance so here it goes....
Let's start with the good. This album is epic in so many ways and I would consider it a huge comeback album. I am so proud of our girl and even more glad that she's happier than she's ever been. That means the world to me whether or not this is or isn't her best album of all time. From a critical and musical standpoint the album is phenomenal. Her vocals are better than they've been in at least 25 years. They are strong, confident, she's hitting higher notes, and really feeling the music. That is very obvious to me. Dave did a stellar job in bringing Stevie out of her shell and giving her the guidance and confidence she's needed to make a record like this. The album is coherent and definitely showcases Stevie's talents as a true poet with songs like Moonlight and Annabel Lee. Dave really worked magic in turning her poems into songs. I also enjoy the political messages behind New Orleans and Soldier's Angel. Our girl has balls and feels passionate about so many things. I love that she incorporated these elements into the album in addition to the unicorns and lace.
Now, with that being said, on to the things I'm not so thrilled with. First of all, after listening it each song at least 20 times, I cannot tell you the one that stands out among st the others for me. Where's my Rooms on Fire, a dynamic lead single and best song of the album by far. I cannot get into For What It's Worth, Cheaper Than Free, or Everybody Love's You. My initial fear about her working with Dave is that the album would be too country and to a certain extent I was right. That's not to say I can't love a good country song because I do but these songs do not appeal to me. The album is very organic and what most would consider true rock and roll incorporating some blues at the same time. I however do not prefer that kind of music. Call me crazy but I like a little electric guitar mixed with some drum machines and synth, I can't help it. I'm not saying that that would be fitting on this album because it wouldn't but that is the sound I like. One of the things I love about TISL is that not only does it have some great rockers on there but it incorporates elements of electronica (Planets, TISL) and I think these songs contributed to making it a more diverse album than IYD. It's beginning to bother me less and less but it will always be true that the songs Stevie wrote the lyrics and melody for will hold a special place in my heart and IYD only has 4. I know Stevie got to much satisfaction out of writing songs with Dave but I stand strong behind my believe that I prefer songs she wrote the melody and lyrics too.
Songs I do like are Secret Love simply because it's better than a lot of songs on there but not that it's such a great song. I LOVE the sentiment behind Soldier's Angel and the music is compelling and powerful in a simple way. If I had to pic a favorite it would be WSS simply due to the killer music in the chorus. Annabell I love because I disliked the demo and like this version so that's a wild card. In Your Dreams is very catchy and fun but again, nothing that I would die over and not comparable to the other title tracks. I'm not going to go through all the rest of the songs because I think I've given a good indication of my initial feelings on the album as a whole.
*The most important thing to keep in mind is that my opinion could TOTALLY change once I listen to the album more. I have no doubt some songs will grow on me but all I know is that the first time I've listened to Stevie's other albums I've loved songs right off the bat and I don't love anything right away here but again, I'm optimistic that some will grow on me. In closing, I want to say that I'm so proud of Stevie and even more proud that all of you, her biggest fans, love the album. Feel free to dispute me on any of these points but it's just my opinion.
-Lindsay