Being a big Jewel fan for many years, I just couldn't wait to get her latest album "Alice in Wonderland". I actually ordered it from the US, cos it's not available in the UK until 25th May.
Now, I never, ever pass comment on a CD until I've heard it at least four or five times, cos it takes that many plays sometimes to fully appreciate the songs. As a former musician myself - I also realise how much time and effort goes into writing and recording an album, so I bear that in mind.
Anyway, I've now heard the Jewel album AIW at least ten times over, and here's my personal review. I've rated each track out of ten, and then given it an overall rating:
1. "Again & Again": Infectiously catchy song. I love it. Classic Jewel songwriting, and a brilliant opener - 10 out of 10
2. "Long Slow Slide": As a long-standing Jewel fan, this track is the first on the album that gives me a dilemma. Yes, it's a good song, yes, it's recorded alright, but in my opinion it just can't come anywhere close to the acoustic version on the Standing Still CD single (that version is just so far better in my humble opinion) Rating - 6 out of 10
3. "Goodbye Alice in Wonderland": I read a really nasty review of this track, with some guy reckoning it was more of Jewel's self-indulgence etc, etc. I couldn't disagree more. It's Jewel being Jewel, and the song grew on me (and Kitty) very much. It's a great song, and Jewel's voice is very good on it. Rating - 10 out of 10
4. "Goodbye": This is another song which I've read bad write-ups about, and again, I couldn't disagree more. This is a superb song, and Jewel's voice again is top-notch. This is Kitty's favourite track. Rating - 10 out of 10.
5. "Satellite": This is my least favourite track on the album, and one that I find myself skipping when it arrives. The problem I have with this, is the same one I had with "Long Slow Slide", namely - I've already been privileged to hearing a much better acoustic version on MTV Live from early on in Jewel's career. In my opinion it just doesn't work when it's updated with a bubbly, funky bass-line. Sorry Jewel (forgive me!). Rating - 4 out of 10
6. "Only One Too": Another new Jewel song, and one that restores my faith in Jewel's songwriting abilities. This is a track which seems to be very much in the 0304 vein. A good song, good pace. We love it! Rating - 9 out of 10
7. "Words Get in The Way": Another great new Jewel song. A good paced song. Classic Jewel song. Rating - 8 out of 10.
8. "Drive to You": This song has grown on me. It's more in the "This Way" style of song, which I think is where Jewel really is at home with. Her voice seems to flow well on this song, and is a really nice tune. I love it. Rating - 10 out of 10.
9. "Last Dance Rodeo": Another song from Jewel's past, and one that comes off better than the previous two re-recordings. Rating - 7 out of 10.
10. "Fragile Heart": This featured on the 0304 album, but Jewel gives it a slightly different twist. I prefer the 0304 version, but that's probably cos I've heard it more often? Rating - 8 out of 10
11. "Stephenville TX": The acoustic version of this ( on the Standing Still CD single) is one of my favourite Jewel song's of all time. Unfortunately this version just doesn't come up to the acoustic version in my opinion. rating - 7 out of 10.
12. "Where You Are": A really nicely written and performed slow song. Nice stuff - 8 out of 10.
13: "1,000 Miles Away": A nice re-recording of this old, Jewel classic. A nice one to end the album on. Rating - 8 out of 10.
So, my personal overall rating of the album is 8 out of 10.
I love Jewel's new songs, but being "brought up" on the old classic numbers she's now re-recorded, just sends me to dig out the old acoustic versions I love so much!
Overall, it's an excellent album, and one I'd recommend for anyone's collection.
It's a real credit to Jewel that following her long career - she still remains one of the finest singer/songwriters around, and still retains such a wonderful, multi-layered, powerful and superb voice. In the free DVD that came with it, Jewel states that the vocals on all the tracks were recorded on single takes. It's nice to see her doing that, and I think it comes through well on the recordings.
It's qualities like that which we appreciate most about Jewel.
At her best - this lady is awesome!
She looks not too bad in that picture 
looks for Sarah 
