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Anna Laube - Outta My Head

Released on Ginkgo Records

by Matt Forsman on Oct 19, 2006
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Is there any ground more well trodden by artists than the vastness that is love? In a time when it’s frighteningly common to be cynical, jaded, and bitter about love, Anna Laube manages to inject new life into the oft maligned emotion in Outta My Head. Laube offers no easy answers in the album, but never fails to seduce with a plethora of beautifully written, authentic tracks and talent that is unquestionable.

Laube’s gifts become apparent right away with the syrupy ballad dedicated to one "Beautiful Boy". This boy’s got it all -- the heart of a child, the voice of an angel, and a remarkable ability to bring smiles to his admirer. Chemical dependencies like this don’t come along very often. "Beautiful Boy" is lyrically infectious and well complimented by Laube’s blues and folk influences.

The leisurely musings on the trials and travails of love continue with "If You Build It". Love can be a bitch, but is there anything more painful than love of the unrequited kind? Unlike in Field of Dreams, no one’s dropping by for a visit in "If You Build It". This whiskey drenched, bluesy track lacks the optimism of "Beautiful Boy", but no one claimed love was all roses. Best enjoyed on an overcast day with a thorn in your heart, "If You Build It", reminds us of the less ecstatic side of love.

In a distinctly dissimilar tone is "Angelina", an ode to an enigmatic, charming young woman who just might be from a distant star. Far from bemoaning a woman who is just out of arm’s reach or otherwise indisposed, Laube celebrates Angelina whose charms are quite accessible. It’s always nice when love finally smiles on you. Laube’s upbeat lyrics are complimented by a lighthearted, whimsical melody that can’t help but elicit a grin.

The remainder of Anna Laube’s Outta My Head is comprised of tracks that examine the perplexing, myriad complexities of love. Anna’s country, folk, and blues influences compliment the subject matter perfectly alternating between somber and blue and ecstatic and light. Laube’s vocals are broad and resonant, enabling her to reflect on love with appropriate gravity and whimsy. Part Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, and a good part uniquely Anna, Laube’s got the pipes for this kind of material.

If love isn’t your thing, Outta My Head probably won’t work for you. Likewise, if blues, country, or folk doesn’t resonate for you, Anna Laube’s debut will likely leave you cold. However, if love is something that’s ever troubled or excited you, this album has your bases covered…in spades. Likewise, if you can appreciate a beautiful voice complimented by a competent sound that is infused with quality folk and blues, you can’t do much better than Anna Laube’s Outta My Head.


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars



by Matt Forsman on Oct 19, 2006
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