Amy MacDonald- This is the Life
CD Review
Artist: Amy MacDonald
Label: Universal
Released: May 6^th, 2008 

4 ½ Stars

Reviewed by Sarah Miller (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada)

At only 20 years old, Scottish singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald's music displays a depth and maturity beyond her years. Her first studio album, This is the Life ranges from the country influenced shuffle rock of ‘Mr. Rock and Roll', to the reflective and poetic ballad ‘Run'. Originally released in the UK in 2007, This is the Life finds the perfect mix of fun rock songs and lyrics to make you stop and think.

Amy deals with a wide range of subjects in her songs, but she often focuses on themes of fame and celebrity worship that shape much of pop culture today. ‘Poison Prince' the first single off of her album deals with addiction, and the much chronicled drug troubles of British rocker Pete Doherty. ‘Let's Start a Band', carried by strings and a simple acoustic guitar explores images of fame throughout history as MacDonald tries to wrestle with her own rising star. ‘Barrowland Ballroom' evokes a dusty old dance hall, using horns, an old timey piano and a shuffle beat you can move your feet to. ‘Footballer's Wife' deals particularly with the British tabloids focus on WAGs (wives and girlfriends), as MacDonald croons "And the girl from that show/yes the one we all know/she thinks she's some kinda star, yes you know who you are/I don't think so."  

This is the Life is an excellent debut album, full of great songwriting and danceable tunes. Amy MacDonald has a unique and rich voice and her contemplative view of the world comes across in her songs, it is music that takes itself seriously, but not too seriously.  

Suggested Downloads: ‘Poison Prince', ‘Let's Start a Band', ‘Run'.
 

Mr. Rock and Roll
This is the Life
Poison Prince
Youth of Today
Run
Let's Start a Band
Barrowland Ballroom
L.A.
A Wish for Something More
Footballer's Wife