Madeleine Peyroux Issue #39

Bare Bones

By Marcell Minaya
Published: March 1st, 2009 | 2:56pm

Bare Bones is an evolutionary step for acclaimed songstress Madeleine Peyroux. Known for her vocal gravitas and drama, Peyroux expands her wings by gliding onto uncharted territory as a songwriter. For the first time in her career, she lends a hand at penning each of the 11 songs on her fourth studio album.

Madeline Peyroux continues to accentuate the smoke found in her jazzy vocals, making each song delectable in its own way. The opener, “Instead,” beams with optimism and light-hearted, whimsical instrumentation, while “You Can’t Do Me” is a vibrant tune with a wholesome kick that acts as a departure from her shadowy storytelling. Peyroux shares her most carefully crafted composition to date with “I Must Be Saved.”

Trailing on melancholy and at times comical breakthroughs, Bare Bones offers a whispery yet elegant endeavor. One can only hope that future efforts from such a fine vocalist will continue to exhibit introspective and narrative songwriting.