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New! REVIEW by Paul Zollo
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She contains multitudes: she’s a phenomenal vocalist, gifted songwriter and consummate producer. Her new album is an apt response to those who complain that nobody writes songs like they used to. She’s long been famous for great songs she’s penned, such as “Fallen,” from Pretty Woman, and for her records (including a hit duet with Michael McDonald, “Please Don’t Leave”) and her solo records and those she did with her former band, Chunky, Novi & Ernie. She’s the singer on the “Just Shoot Me” theme song, and even sang back-ups for the late great Frank Zappa. Now comes a new solo album, and it was worth the wait. Filled to the happy brim with great songs, which she wrote alone or co-wrote, it’s got beautiful vocals and great musicianship by musical luminaries such as Arno Lucas, Billy Payne, Stephen Bishop, Andrew Gold, and Lindsay Tomasic. There’s a vast range of melodic pop here – the most poignant having to be “Cora’s Theme,” which she wrote with the film composer Randy Edelman for the movie Last of the Mohicans. It’s heartbreakingly haunting, with a beautifully articulated and passionate vocal that delivers this stunning melody with crisp perfection, lovingly forested by warm strings. It resounds like a standard. “The Waiting Room” is a slippery soul excursion she co-wrote with Melissa Manchester; it’s got a great groove anchored by a sly funky bass by Jeff Hull, and her cover of the classic Rod Argent gem “Time Of The Season” is delicate, and archly anthemic. Culminating with the epic “Walk Towards The Light,” this is a nourishing anthology of soulful riches from a seriously talented lady.
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“Lauren Wood is simply a huge talent. The immensely creative singer/songwriter who gave the world “Fallen” has done it again. “Love Death & Customer Service” is filled with soul-satisfying songs with a unique blend of messages, all delivered with that trademark alto—the woman knows how to sell a song! You'll get to the end and immediately want to have another go”.
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“The last time I heard Lauren Wood's "Fallen" was some years ago in a taxi in San Francisco. As the driver turned up the volume on KKSF, he and I said simultaneously, "I love this song!" I've missed Wood's presence on radio, so it's a thrill to hear her stunning new project, Love, Death & Customer Service. Here, Wood's prodigious songwriting talent is matched by her expressive vocals and outstanding production; for smooth jazz, "Contradiction" and an unforgettable cover of The Zombies' "Time of the Season" stand out!”
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“Love, Death and Customer Service is the freshest CD I’ve heard in years… and in the midst of a world where every singer sounds the same, Lauren has the freshest voice I’ve heard in years. I’m a fan for life!”
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"She is the consummate artist, this Lauren Wood. She is brilliant. And her new release, LOVE, DEATH AND CUSTOMER SERVICE, showcases all of this brilliance in one package fantastic writing skills, a dazzling, distinctive voice, thoughtfully executed production and an overwhelming sense of fashion. CONTRADICTIONS is sophisticated, contemporary and jazzy A song that speaks to the heart and the soul, like FALLEN. LOVE, DEATH AND CUSTOMER SERVICE is one for the people from a songwriters
songwriter!"
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“Lauren Wood's new album "Love, Death, and Customer Service" is truly a testament to this artist's great talent and rampant creativity. Acting as producer, songwriter, singer, keyboardist and even drummer, she has created an album with incredible energy and substance. From the smooth jazz-funk feel of Steely Dan, to quirky pop tunes that bring to mind David Byrne or Ani DiFranco, to love songs with the depth and emotion of Kate Bush, she brings it all off with heartfelt sincerity coupled with a delightful sense of humor."
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"...Beautiful pop, smart, sophisticated and highly recommended."
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"Wood has an earthy, deep voice
capable of soaking subtext into just about every syllable
she utters. Her moving delivery, coupled with a spare but
infectious arrangement, demands the ear of triple-A, AC and
even mainstream rock enthusiasts."
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"What will strike you most about
Wood's music is her sultry, sexy voice, but if you get past
that, you will find subtly crafted tunes of immense sophistication
and insight."
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"Lauren has a special knack for
mixing arresting lyrics with haunting melody's to capture
special moments in time that relate not only to her but to
everyone. The CD deserves to be played next to the ERIC CLAPTON'S
and SHAWN COLVIN'S of the world - with it's melody and sounds,
the fun, the various flavors, the hints of influences, especially
a certain Liverpool group from the 60's."
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"She is an impressive artist and
clearly one of the more creative people on the scene today."
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"One of the most impressive mainstream
pop arrivals in some time. Wood displayed the convincing emotion
that distinguishes superior artists from the razzle-dazzle
effects that so ofeten hamper mainstream pop figures"
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"Her exquisite natural sense of
mood and timing are a focal point"
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"Lauren's performance was exceptional.
Her voice was husky and distinctive. Her songs have infectious
melodies and nothing short of a lobotomy will make you forget
them.
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"Lauren has
an undeniably unique, sultry voice that has captivated a loyal
following worldwide… from intimate and vulnerable…
to a hint of the Beatles and a touch of humor…If only she would call more often."
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