Emma Rossum says, "I feel a real emotional connection to these songs," she says. "It's a real expression of my innermost thoughts and feelings, hence the title Inside Out." "It's about finding a respite from all the craziness," says the performer about the song. "I wanted to create a kind of music that would allow me to use my voice as an instrument. I tried to discover the boundary of the human voice."
Emily Rossum came to public attention as a Golden Globe nominee for her role as Christine in the film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom Of The Opera. She possesses both a classic beauty and a classic Broadway voice. She displays range and character with a dramatic flair. On Inside Out, her debut CD, she showcases a very different side of her talent. She uses her voice to support most of the music on the record, through the wonders of digital multi-tracking. The effect is exotic, serene and unusual.
Rossum sang in the Met chorus as a child. She obviously has a strong and complete musical background. On Inside Out she does the whole Bobby McFerrin deal, wherein her voice provides most of the sounds on the CD. For an actress, who can be seen in Mystic River and The Day After Tomorrow, this "one woman play" role is her most demanding and remarkable yet. Written largely by Rossum and producer Stuart Brawley this record showcases her versatility and flexibility, rather than her registration and power. The first single, "Slow Me Down" is touching and heartfelt. It also features an impressive number of vocal parts, accompanying lines and percussive effects, all created by Miss Rossum herself. Subtle and soothing, like a lullaby, "Slow Me Down" is impressive in it's overall vocal arrangement and nuanced vocal textures. Samples are used effectively and with great musical sensitivity. If you're sick of light opera, pseudo-Broadway and semi-classical posers, Emma Rossum may be your ticket out.
Critics and fans alike have likened Rossum to Imogen Heap, but the comparison really only extends to the uniqueness of the production. It's a neat trick to do something demanding and clever and make it listenable at the same time. Rossum pulls it off. "Stay" echoes Sarah McLachlan in its elegant flow and graceful lyric. It's the orchestral quality of the arrangement that really shines, though. Beware if you're looking for a new Diva, Rossum may be your girl, but this record won't show it. If, on the other hand, you're easily fascinated with some pretty magical musical manipulation, this is hot.
The title track echoes (literally) the whole Swingles singers elaborate vocal style and a certain ABBA, euro-density. This is light material, but the treatment is complex and fascinating. The best illustration of the technique that drives this CD is the rearrangement of the Carpenter's hit, "Rainy Days And Monday," a tender and poignant ballad full of ennui. Rossum's vocals soar and wend through the melody, creating a soft quilt of sound that surrounds the song. This is comfort sound: warm, intimate and lush, for all the extended vocal writing and drama.
This won't be Emma Rossum's last record. It's not perfect, and may be, at times, just too cute. If you listen in a mix, with other artists interspersed, it wears better. Taken as one piece, it's impressive, but a little taxing. When she begins to incorporate her wonderful technique into a more traditional mix, she'll produce stronger, and more lasting results. For now, a little goes a long way, but every track is impressive and well done.
By Dave Morgan
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