Natalie Merchant's new, self-titled album was released earlier this week to great critical acclaim. The New York Times describes the album as "a set of dark, brave, thoughtful and serenely startling songs." NPR's All Things Considered says: "This record gives full rein to Natalie Merchant's voice, which is stronger than ever, especially in her magnificent lower register." A USA Today feature finds Merchant "driven by the same sense of empathy that has always motivated her." Refinery29 says the new album marks "the return of one of music’s most illustrious voices."
Natalie Merchant's new, self-titled album, her first of entirely original songs in 13 years, was released earlier this week on Nonesuch Records to great critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic, with the Associated Press calling it "a rich musical tapestry that transcends the typical vagary of pop music"; the Daily Telegraph, naming it Album of the Week, praising the "quietly magnificent" presence of her voice; and the Times of London finding Merchant "in terrific form."
The New York Times' Jon Pareles has weighed in as well, describing the new album as "a set of dark, brave, thoughtful and serenely startling songs." You can read the review at nytimes.com.
The album was also featured on NPR's All Things Considered last night. "This record gives full rein to Natalie Merchant's voice, which is stronger than ever," says NPR reviewer Will Hermes, "especially in her magnificent lower register." You can hear the All Things Considered piece at npr.org.
Merchant recently spoke with USA Today's Elysa Gardner about the new album and shares a bit of what motivates her, as Gardner describes it, "driven by the same sense of empathy that has always motivated her." You can read the feature article at usatoday.com.
She also spoke with Refinery29's Leigh Flayton, who says the new album's release marks "the return of one of music’s most illustrious voices." Read what Merchant had to say in the interview at refinery29.com.
To pick up a copy of Natalie Merchant, head to iTunes or the Nonesuch Store, where CD orders include a download of the complete album at checkout.
Natalie Merchant heads to the UK this weekend for two sold-out performances at Milton Court Concert Hall in London on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, Merchant performs a live session on BBC Radio 2’s Weekend Wogan; she will also give a live performance on the BBC Two’s Later … With Jools Holland on Tuesday. Also next week is a conversation with The School of Life's Alain de Botton and, the following weekend, a return to Milton Court for a concert with fellow Nonesuch artists as part of the Barbican's month-long celebration of the lable, Explorations: The Sound of Nonesuch Records. Merchant kicks off a US tour in July. For details, visit nonesuch.com/on-tour.
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