| AllMusicGuide.com Review - 4 stars - Murrday Fisher |
Susan Raven's debut album, Glittering Cities, is transcendent. Though the spiritual theme of the music may not appeal to everyone's taste, the excellence of production and exquisite melding of the instrumentals and vocals will. Raven's voice is gorgeous, and her original compositions are moving and insightful. All cuts are technically excellent. While some may be less lyrically detailed, as with the somewhat simplistic command of "Stack Your Guns", others sail and soar. The title song is a lucid and vibrant example of Raven's total production -- ethereal, shimmering, and visionary. (Fans may recognize David Rhodes' guitar on this track from his performances in Peter Gabriel's band.) Also outstanding are the haunting and evocative "Saturn" and the warmly heartfelt "I Think of You," a eulogy for two friends. Particularly noteworthy accompaniment comes from Steffy Sharpstring's glissando guitar and Hilaire Penda's bass on "Saturn," as well as on "I Think of You." In all, this album, which is available on www.izun.co.uk is a positive introduction to a very talented artist whose skill is clearly presented, not simply in her personal performance, but in her ability to choose other musicians and producers as talented as she is, and create a superb total composition with their support. |
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| Written Response from Songwriting Icon - Donovan |
Listened again to your fine album... AWESOME. |
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| Gods of Music Review of Glittering Cities - Chris K. |
Susan Raven has the gift. She has all the gifts. Reminiscient of Pegasus, Renaissance and certain Peter Gabriel material, Glittering Cities is the kind of song that given the right promotional effort could easily be played on any top AAA station in the United States. It doesn't hurt that Peter Gabriel guitarist David Rhodes appears on this recording. The arrangement, song structure and recording quality are all world class. There is no denying the brilliance of the performance as Susan takes us on a spacial world fusion journey worthy of the artwork of Roger Dean (Yes, Asia, Pink Floyd). This is a superbly crafted song, full of fantasy and flights of fancy, bridged wonderfully in mid stride with a feeling of longing; of missing a place that transcends the senses of time and space, lingering just long enough to allow us the opportunity to catch a breath, as we stand on a high mountain sitting alone in space, looking down on the Glittering Cities below us. If there's one flaw in the work, it is the material's long term appeal. In a perfect world, this song would be considered a classic in the vein of "White Bird" by It's A Beautiful Day or "Ashes Are Burning" by Renaissance. In today's here today gone tomorrow world of music, it simply lies as a beautiful example of just how disposable and invaluable contemporary music tastes have become. This is a Pro Critic Radio choice artist, given the magnificient imagery and brilliant production that takes us on a journey thru time and space. |
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| MusicDish Industry e-Journal - Michael Allison (Associate Writer) |
Susan Raven is a singer/songwriter with a distinctive vocal tone and style, that has the ability to change the face of popular music forever. I spend endless hours listening to music that sounds exactly the same as the previous. Singers who all sound like they spent half of their lives copying all of those who came before them. Susan Raven is one of those who chose to take what God gave her and make something original and beautiful out of it. Her voice is so real and full of emotion that I found it hard to get past that aspect of her music. Once I did, I found a passion and truth that I haven't heard in a long time. Susan's music spoke to me in a way that I find hard to describe. I can't remember when I heard music that was this powerful and this well written. Susan Raven presents her musical vibe in a folk/pop style that borders on the experimental sides of both genres. Incorporating various different instruments and influences into her sound, Susan has created a musical style that is all her own. Her lyrics have a depth and substance that is rare in today's music, but also has an appeal that many who like mainstream music should enjoy. Susan is an excellent artist and definitely worth every ounce of attention that she receives. It just doesn't get any better than this. |
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| Written Response from Author - Tom Robbins |
What a gorgeous voice you have, my dear. And what a generous spirit. Ranks and tanks and shanks of thanks for sending me Glittering Cities. Your music is quite impressive, and thanks to the printed lyrics I was able to discern every word, which is sometimes a problem for me these days since forty years of loud rock 'n roll has taken the bright edge off my hearing. |
Tom Robbins, author, and in his own words Part-time Buddha, Menace to Society, Admirer of Clouds |
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| Rambles Cultural Art Magazine - Audrey M Clark |
Combining global musical influences and interests in all things mystical and metaphysical, Susan Raven's new release Glittering Cities offers up a message of hope and inspiration to listeners. On the opening track, "Behind Your Eyes", Raven sings "I found you on your knees / you are waiting, you are praying / for miracles to come..." The subsequent tracks on the CD present Raven's version of an answer to those prayers, as she addresses the emotional, physical, and spiritual state of the world. Raven's unique voice, strong and ethereal at the same time, provides a perfect accompaniment to the inspirational message of her music. Although Raven's interest in both Eastern and Western mystical traditions fuels much of the material for this album, the songs never come across as heavy-handed. Rather, the lyrics merge with the musical arrangements (which are as varied as the traditions that drive the lyrics) to create an overall listening experience that leaves one feeling that there is some hope still left in the world. And according to Raven, that's all she wants, ultimately: "hope in the morning and peace in the evening." That's not to say that Raven doesn't have an agenda on some of these songs. "Stack Your Guns" is a call to end war, while "Here to Be" urges listeners to take better care of our Mother Earth. Just as all of Raven's lyrics work to create a cohesive mood while still standing on their own as individual messages, the musical arrangements possess the same subtle variance, ranging from synth dance grooves to more acoustic arrangements. The overall effect is a combination of many styles, with no one style dominating the sound. In essence, this is world music, reflecting the universal message of the lyrics. Raven has created an uplifting, well-crafted album with Glittering Cities. It deserves a listen simply for Raven's haunting voice. |
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| The Star Online Music Reviews - Sujesh Pavithran |
THIS critically acclaimed debut album from English songwriter-singer Susan Raven, which came out a couple of years ago, appears to have evolved into a cult fave, in part undoubtedly due to her regular solo performances in the circuit. Raven's music loosely carries a Celtic tag, but there're also influences that range from Peter Gabriel to pure pop-folk to American heartland... a tunesmith of versatile and varied talents, she indeed is, even if the mystical, eclectic nature of her themes doesn't always match the melodic textures of Glittering Cities (now, why does that name conjure up images of sci-fi anthologies?). Here, she's got some cracking support from ace sidemen - Gabriel guitarist David Rhodes and bassist Hilaire Penda from Salif Keita's band among them - but their presence never distracts from the meat-and-potatoes, purist song nature of the album. Raven does show a penchant for acoustic colours and there are occasional moments of ethnic sojourns, but she's so precisely focused in her roles as songstress and performer that there's little chance of Glittering Cities deviating from the formulas she's set down. While one can pick up moments of true catchiness - Here To Be, Glittering Cities, I Think Of You and Saturn are strewn with some lovely instrumental timbres - and Raven's soulful nature comes across with stripped down sincerity, it's hard to see her go further with her rather restricted approach to arrangement... a bit more air here, a little raw edge there, and her appeal should widen. Still, a credible effort, and if you're looking for some pop-inflected new age folk vocal music, here's a good place to give a listen. |
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| MakeaStar.com Industry Review - I Think of You |
The music is a beautifully composed blend of Irish folk and world. There is a strong Peter Gabriel influence coming across in the chord progression, melodies and production values. The lyric is a remembrance of friends who have past on, expressed lovingly using poetic imagery. The production is excellent. The lead vocal is heartfelt and emotive. I think the sheer quality of songwriting, performances and production make this track very attractive not only to the industry but mainly to music lovers. I love this track for it's sincerity and soulfulness. |
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| MakeaStar.com Industry Review - Hope In The Morning |
An effective blend of light contemporary pop and celtic/folk elements with strong melodic hooks in both the vocal and instrumentation. Well crafted intelligent lyrics which manage to tell a tale of gloom, present a strong mix of desperation and hope in the chorus and somehow leave a positive feeling. Coupled with some good use of metaphor and imagery... I can't fault these lyrics. Very professionally orchestrated with near perfect pop arrangement and structure. Great feel and expression, good pitch and a sound that's inviting. I can't fault the choice of parts and the overall harmonic/melodic effect. This tune itself is highly marketable and could easily work with a number of different treatments and any application from radio to commercial or film and TV placements. If Natalie Embruglia for instance had done this tune on her new record I think it could have matched the success she enjoyed with Torn. This is one of the most infectious tunes I have reviewed to date on Makeastar.com. |
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