The Greatest by Cat Power: CD Review

The title of Cat Power's new CD, The Greatest, may lead you to believe that this CD is a "Best Of..." compilation. But do not be mistaken, this is the songstress' first album in three years full of artful and hypnotic original songs. Many of the tracks, however, will find themselves on the sultry-voiced singer's "Best Of..." CD should she ever choose to release one.

Rich with Memphis soul and lush arrangements, Cat Power, also known as Chan Marshall, creates a low-key, but compelling mood, as she brings in artists from the Tennesee area to enhance the album. The addition of the Southern stylings easily complements Marshall's understated voice. From the horns to the sawing violins, she is successfully able to capture this boxer tale with a twang.

The album begins with the melancholy, "The Greatest," which is a gorgeous ballad. With its mournful style, haunting background singers and beautiful instruments, this song is a prime of example of the amazing Southern soul that Cat Power channels. "Where Is My Love" is another song that will stay with you long after it has ended its run. Marshall's constant reptition of "Where Is My Love" allows you to almost go inside her heart as it breaks.

This album is not all molasses, with several songs successfully using a faster beat, such as "Willie." "Living Proof" is an upbeat crooner that amazingly utilizes the melotronic keyboard. "Love & Communication" is a personal favorite with a backbeat that channels Zero 7 intertwined with Marshall's seductive voice.

While some may argue that the album begins to straddle the line of subtlety and boredom as it progresses, but Cat Power's detractors miss the understated triumph of these tracks. "Lived In Bars" is slow, but the writing is sharp. "Could We" does not have the fastest momentum but Marhsall quietly wins over the audience. Some songs, however, do border being lackluster, such as "Islands." "After It All" may also call for the use of the skip button. Even when it is a bore, however, Marshall's downbeat tempo throughout the album allows this to be the perfect relaxing CD to put in before you go to bed. &I say this is a completely non-facetious way, unlike Jenny Lewis' new CD, which might have caused my heart to actually stop beating because it was so boring.

It may take a few listens to appreciate the understated country soul, Cat Power perfects throughout the album, but this subtle singer will eventually win you over with her raw performance. Despite its early release in January 2006, Cat Power's The Greatest easily found its way on many critic's Top 10 lists, including mine.

Grade : A

Download : The Greatest, Living Proof, Where Is My Love, Lived In Bars, Love & Communication

Skip It : Islands, After It All