Half the Perfect World

Smokey-voiced chanteuse Madeleine Peyroux's third CD is a lovely collection of after-hours ruminations and should confirm her rise to fame. Credit producer Larry Klein for doing a bang-up job with the album's sound: the elegant, pared-down arrangements are all brushed drums, acoustic guitars, and cool organ licks. But of course it's Peyroux's voice that brings it all home--preferably one where the shades are drawn, embers are smoldering in the fireplace, and the white wine is kept dry. Two-thirds of the songs are well-chosen covers, including a duet with k.d. lang on Joni Mitchell's "River"; a relaxed version of Fred Neil's "Everybody's Talkin'," from Midnight Cowboy; a delicately lilting samba take on Leonard Cohen and Anjani Thomas's title track; Serge Gainsbourg's "La Javanaise," performed in the original French; and Charlie Chaplin's "Smile," from Modern Times. The four originals, all coauthored by Peyroux, easily keep up with such august company, especially "I'm All Right"--written with Klein and Walter Becker, it captures the easy sophistication of Becker's regular band, Steely Dan. Fans of Norah Jones (whose collaborator Jesse Harris cowrote three of the songs) should gobble up this album, but Peyroux is no mere imitator: She's her own, very real thing. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

More Madeleine

Dreamland
Careless Love
Got You on My Mind
(with William Galison)

Madeleine Peyroux doesn't simply interpret songs, she possesses them…and vice versa. Half the Perfect World is the much-anticipated follow-up to Peyroux's breakthrough album, Careless Love, which drew critical raves from around the world and sold more than a million copies. This time around, Peyroux focuses primarily on songs written by artists from her lifetime, including Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits and Fred Neil. The album also features an unforgettable duet with k.d. lang on the Joni Mitchell classic "River" and four original songs co-written by Peyroux, including the single "I'm All Right" which she penned with producer Larry Klein and Steely Dan's Walter Becker. Half the Perfect World is a sublime showcase for Peyroux's eloquent, understated delivery and timeless one-of-a-kind voice.

Customer Reviews:

Half the Perfect World, Madeleine Peyroux
Very enjoyable CD. I had never heard of this artist but since I always puchase CDs by Diana Krall, Amazon recommended her and I purchased two CDs, both of which I enjoy very much. I recommend everyone who likes jazz to try her.
--2006-12-17

Dig Deeper into Peyroux
For those who love the last two CD's, I would highly recommend going back to Madeleine's debut CD - "Dreamland". I stumbled across it in 1997 and fell in love with the subtle, mirky, fragile quality of her voice. She stretches the song stylings a bit further on "Dreamland". Beefier instrumentation, wider song selection and, in my opinion, less of a one-trick pony. Or, maybe she was searching for what her sound would be. Much of her next two CD's seem to cover the same ground to me. "Dreamland" mixed it up a bit more and to great effect. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.
--2006-12-12

It has charms
The eagerly awaited follow-up album to the enigmatic singer's phenomenally successful "Careless Love" may not be as beguiling, but it has charms of its own - not least the upbeat, laughter-filled opener, "I'm All Right" (an original composition), Serge Gainsbourg's "La Javanaise" and Leonard Cohen's sensual "Blue Alert".
There is a stronger country vibe and, if anything, the lackadaisical Billie Holiday drawl is even more in evidence than in the first CD.
And if ever a song suited the persona of the singer, it's "Everybody's Talkin".
When beauty is understated...

--2006-12-11

New Peyroux
I remain devoted to her previous album, Careless Love. This new effort is okay, but so slavishly faithful to that Peyrouvian sound that at the start of each of the first two songs I literally had to go back and check to be sure I wasn't listening to the first album. It varies somewhat after that, although you sure couldn't accuse it of taking any chances. I also think the song selections are much safer this go-round and a lot less interesting as a result. Everybody's Talkin' and Summer Wind only serve to remind the listener you how surprising the songs on her first album were. The duet River is kind of dull and makes one miss Joni Mitchell. I wouldn't recommend it as a long-term entertainment investment, although it's certainly inoffensive enough.
--2006-12-10

Smooth Harmony
I really loved this album mainly because of the very smooth and clear vocal style that Madeleine creates. Many backgrounds have a very relaxing melodic beat that pretty much leads you to become addicted. I am honestly hooked and I can't stop listening to songs like, "Half the perfect world", "La Javainese", "California Raining". Her songs also have a story that immerses you into the essence of her life. I also loved her last album "Careless love", this current album seems like a continuation of her "story line" that she started in the previous. Listen to her entire album on her website and you can decide for yourself. :)
--2006-12-10

- Rounder / Umgd