Album Review: Frou Frou – Details

I was first introduced to Imogen Heap’s heavenly voice while watching the 3rd season finale of ‘The O.C.’ The track ‘Speeding Cars‘ became an instant hit with me. Then, a li’l research about the artist revealed to me that she’s a band member of ‘Frou Frou’ along with Guy Sigsworth. I was excited to know that as I loved the track ‘Holding Out For a Hero‘ on Shrek 2 OST (which is a cover of Bonnie Tyler song of the same name).

The band name, Frou Frou, means swishing noise made by skirts on dancing women in French. ‘Details’ is the debut album of Frou Frou. I loved all the tracks on the album. The uniqueness lies in Imogen making weird sounds on almost all the tracks. Unfortunately, they disbanded in 2003. Now, Imogen became a solo artist after releasing two albums ‘iMegaphone’ and ‘Speak for Yourself’.

‘Details’ contains 11 tracks. Let’s go for a track-by-track analysis done by me.

1. Let Go

The opening song of the album ‘Let Go’ is a catchy number. It’s featured on Garden State OST. It plays when Zach Braff leaves Natalie Portman in tears to catch a flight. A tender song for a tender moment. It was also featured on The Holiday OST.

The song is about letting go of heartbreaks. Imogen rightly sings that there’s beauty in the breakdown.

Drink up, baby down
mmm, are you in or are you out
leave your things behind
’cause it’s all going off without you
excuse me, too busy you’re writing your tragedy
these mishaps
you bubble wrap
when you’ve no idea what you’re like

This is my favorite song on the album.
My Rating: 10/10

2. Breath In

Another great song! Most of the songs on the album contain obscure lyrics. The listener cannot make out what the singer is singing about. Some opine that it’s about drugs but I think it’s about a person longing for love.

The chorus is catchy and gets you in no time.

I’m high enough from all the waiting
To ride a wave on your inhaling
And I’m high enough from all the waiting
To ride a wave on your inhaling
‘Cause I love you no?
Can’t help but love you, no…

My Rating: 9/10

3. It’s Good To Be In Love

This track is good to listen but I got bored with it after sometime. It’s about the singer whose lover is in love again after breaking up with her.

It’s good to be in love
It really does suit you
Just like everything
I’m happy your in love
‘Cause every color goes where you do

My Rating: 8/10

4. Must Be Dreaming

Not my favorite track but a good song if you keep listening.

My Rating: 6.5/10

5. Psychobabble

This track is just like a dialog. But the music is good. Watch out for the music piece that comes in the middle of the song. It’s just amazing!

My Rating: 7/10

6. Only Got One

I’m not a fan of this one. One of the songs that I like the least on the album. But the track is worth a listen.

My Rating: 6.5/10

7. Shh

Again the lyrics of the song are obscure. Some say that it’s about alien abduction. Also, Frou Frou confirmed the same on their MySpace page. the ‘Mmm dey mmm da mmm daaeeoo’ chorus is funny and at the same time catchy.

My Rating: 7/10

8. Hear Me Out

My second favorite song on the album. It’s about someone whose feelings about her lover are not over and would like to get back to where they were!

So listen up
The sun hasn’t set
(I refuse to believe that it’s only me feeling)
Just hear me out
I’m not over you yet

My Rating: 10/10

9. Maddening Shroud

Another average song. The chorus is good.

My Rating: 6.5/10

10. Flicks

‘Lung of love leaves me breathless’. Great lyrics in here. A good song with impressive tune.

My Rating: 8/10

11. The Dumbing Down of Love

Just like ‘Psychobabble’ it sounds like a dialog. A slow number with good lyrics.

My Rating: 7/10

I’m sure that you’ll love the album for sure. The album received critical acclaim but couldn’t achieve commercial success. That may be due to record label’s failure to promote the album. Just download the album and give it a try!

Overall Rating: 9/10

~ by Saawan on May 14, 2007.