The Graduate 2CD Play.com Exclusive

I know I'm reviewing this prior to release but as a serious fan I have already heard all tracks on this album - many in demo form and most from watching her live MySpace performances. Some I've even heard studio mixes of, and whilst they may not turn out to be the final release versions I've a good enough idea of how it's going to turn out - and I'm very happy to say that it's a very cleverly written and very catchy album.

Everything's Illuminated is a great way to start this album, as it appears on first listen to be a carefree pop song with a chorus including "make me a hurricane" but there's a layer of complexity to the lyrics that makes you want to listen carefully and listen again. As on many of her best songs, Nerina sings the lyrics with a deliberate surface naivety that catches you out when you realise there is much more going on underneath.

Real Late Starter - an anthem to reformed slackers - is the first of the breakaway hits waiting to happen and has some of… more »

I know I'm reviewing this prior to release but as a serious fan I have already heard all tracks on this album - many in demo form and most from watching her live MySpace performances. Some I've even heard studio mixes of, and whilst they may not turn out to be the final release versions I've a good enough idea of how it's going to turn out - and I'm very happy to say that it's a very cleverly written and very catchy album.

Everything's Illuminated is a great way to start this album, as it appears on first listen to be a carefree pop song with a chorus including "make me a hurricane" but there's a layer of complexity to the lyrics that makes you want to listen carefully and listen again. As on many of her best songs, Nerina sings the lyrics with a deliberate surface naivety that catches you out when you realise there is much more going on underneath.

Real Late Starter - an anthem to reformed slackers - is the first of the breakaway hits waiting to happen and has some of the best lyrics in any pop song for ages. From the "I woke up late today; actually I do that every day" accompanied by bouncy piano music, through the "I'm the queen refusenik" line to the "Oh my god if I was somebody I'd be doing it all just fine" chorus you can't help thinking that this is the kind of music you'd expect Lily Allen to be making after about five more years experience and touring with the Scissor Sisters.

The Right Side is another thumping pop anthem, again with a misdirection of knowing naivety and the line "how can we lose when we're on the right side?" Like many songs on this album you'll find yourself singing along to it, and it'll be great at the festivals.

Human is a beautiful guitar ballad with a "we are not our sorrows; we are not our scars" chorus that makes you think of all the things you liked about Sheryl Crow. The most country music that Nerina has gone in a track, and it works so well.

I Don't Want To Go Out is a bit of a shock on first listen as it's loud and brassy and the kind of song you'd expect from Avril Lavigne - a kind of teenage rock anthem rebelling against something everyone's doing... and then you suddenly "get it" and realise the grown up twist to it - that it's actually rebelling against going out and partying!

Coming Home is a heartfelt song about coming home to a supportive family - the lyrics are really beautiful and touching, bookended with "My Dad's not famous, but he is to me". I feel the same.

It starts is a very appealing love song with reassurance that "every little thing's going to be okay", and "pretty little love's going to see you through", and shows off the same subtlety to Nerina's voice that we loved on Sophia.

Here's the big one! When Did I Become Such A Bitch is Nerina's first number one just waiting to happen. You know even before the chorus that it's going to be fantastic, as only a couple of lines in and you're in love with it. I wouldn't at all describe Nerina as a thirtysomething Lily Allen, but my point is that this song will appeal to all age groups despite of and also because of some very bold lyrics, and pretty soon everyone will be humming it and downloading it for ringtones! It's a song that demands to be listened to and loved.

Cigarette is a lush and haunting ballad dedicated to anyone who is trying to give up a destructive habit, and works on many levels, and whilst listening your opinion of what she is singing about can change several times. There is a good musical surprise listening to this track as well, and for that reason I actually don't want to describe it too much for fear of spoiling a wonderful surprise.

It Was Me is the only song I haven't heard yet, but it's nice to save something for the release!

It has been 3 years since Fires was released, and Nerina Pallot is back wither her 3rd sutdio offering. Having completed an Honours degree in English Literature between albums, this new album is entitled The Graduate in celebration. It also sees Nerina branch out into completely new styles, as well as building upon the sound she's known for.

With Dear Frustrated Superstar, we were given an album full of ballads with a few upbeat numbers here and there. Fires continued in this vein, except improving almost every aspect of her sound, whilst adding new ingredients into the mixture.

This album sees Nerina do this once more, she freshens up her sound with some more 'poppy' and upbeat songs, whilst exploring other styles as well, Nerina admitted that this album was heavily influenced by listening to MGMT and other acts such as The Scissor Sisters, Air and Pink Floyd. Upon listening to the album, you can certaily see these influences in certain songs.

The intellegent… more »

It has been 3 years since Fires was released, and Nerina Pallot is back wither her 3rd sutdio offering. Having completed an Honours degree in English Literature between albums, this new album is entitled The Graduate in celebration. It also sees Nerina branch out into completely new styles, as well as building upon the sound she's known for.

With Dear Frustrated Superstar, we were given an album full of ballads with a few upbeat numbers here and there. Fires continued in this vein, except improving almost every aspect of her sound, whilst adding new ingredients into the mixture.

This album sees Nerina do this once more, she freshens up her sound with some more 'poppy' and upbeat songs, whilst exploring other styles as well, Nerina admitted that this album was heavily influenced by listening to MGMT and other acts such as The Scissor Sisters, Air and Pink Floyd. Upon listening to the album, you can certaily see these influences in certain songs.

The intellegent lyrics that have almost become a bit of a trademark with Nerina are still here, although written a bit more directly, this can sometimes make the messages in the songs a little more hard hitting than previous.

I won't suggest any tracks to listen to over another, because each is superb in its own way, and I have no doubt each listener will have their own favourites. I have to say though that, if you enjoy this album, not only should you purchase the other-two if you haven't already done so, but also, try and see her live! I saw her at the Oran Mor in Glasgow and not only is she a lovely lady, but many songs I hadn't quite appreciated before suddenly made sense and I loved them.

Nerina has an amazing voice, the range of styles on this album are crazy, there's something for everyone, and I'd recommend you purchase this album as soon as you are able to!

2CD's of Nerina Pallot? YES PLEASE!!!

Nerina has gone all out to make this album the best she has accomplished! Although her fans have been waiting a number of years for the Graduate to be released this album which combines techno-pop with rock to blues and right down to the basic sweet piano accompaniments is a pure masterpiece!
Nerina surpasses her previous albums - Dear Frustrated Superstar and Fires - in this utter triumph. I give it 5* and hope this album does as well as it deserves.

Read below for my input on each song:
EVERYTHING'S ILLUMINATED:
I heard this song (like many of her others) as a demo and fell in love with it straight away. The catchy lyrics and fun-loving melody makes this song a pleasure to listen to and is a great beginning to a wonderful album.
REAL LATE STARTER:
This is Nerina's first single from the album and in my opinion, it is the perfect choice. This song will be released on the 19th October and the Music Video is… more »

2CD's of Nerina Pallot? YES PLEASE!!!

Nerina has gone all out to make this album the best she has accomplished! Although her fans have been waiting a number of years for the Graduate to be released this album which combines techno-pop with rock to blues and right down to the basic sweet piano accompaniments is a pure masterpiece!
Nerina surpasses her previous albums - Dear Frustrated Superstar and Fires - in this utter triumph. I give it 5* and hope this album does as well as it deserves.

Read below for my input on each song:
EVERYTHING'S ILLUMINATED:
I heard this song (like many of her others) as a demo and fell in love with it straight away. The catchy lyrics and fun-loving melody makes this song a pleasure to listen to and is a great beginning to a wonderful album.
REAL LATE STARTER:
This is Nerina's first single from the album and in my opinion, it is the perfect choice. This song will be released on the 19th October and the Music Video is showing now on Youtube. It is far from Nerina's previous 'type singles' but is glorious in it's harmony. The only thing that lets this gem down is the Music Video. I must say I am really disappointed with the very 'cheap' looking set-up. However, hopefully it's brilliance in lyrics and tune will surpass the criticisms that could potentially follow.
THE RIGHT SIDE:
A rock tune that appears to follow Nerina's latest musical enjoyment - the Scissor Sisters. I think this 'get-up, dance and sing-along-tune' would be a great next single; remarkable.
HUMAN:
This is possibly a more typical Nerina style tune, falling into the blues and soul category. It begins slowly and picks up as a new instrument is brought in at each verse. Inventive and incandescent - what more could you ask for?
I DONT WANT TO GO OUT:
Well what can I say? Techno-pop meets Nerina! Once again a catchy, fun-loving song that will have you literally clapping to the rhythm.
COMING HOME:
I remember this song from the concert I saw of Nerina at the Buxton Opera House because of the hilariously intelligent way Nerina introduced the song. After a long winded story detailing a confession of writing on Wikipedia that her father was Elton John, she went on to say that this song was about him. Of course, this song is really about Nerinas real father and is a lovely melodic tune.
IT STARTS:
I was lucky enough to purchase this song previously on the Buckminster Fuller EP. I was praying that it would be on the album - and here it is. The sweet piano accompaniment I spoke of earlier is all wrapped up in a candy-coated harmony. Wonderful!
WHEN DID I BECOME SUCH A BITCH:
As another reviewer has said, this song is a number one waiting to happen but I can understand if Nerina does have reservations about releasing this as a single. If not, it is an excellent addition to the album.
CIGARETTE:
This is the song that surprised me most. It is beyond everything Nerina has previously exhibited. The recording has layered this song perfectly and the lyrics are mesmerizingly simple but hugely effective.
IT WAS ME:
I must admit I wasn't sure about this song at first and because of that I was a little disappointed it was there instead of one of the demos I have heard that unfortunately didn't make it to the album. But after a few times it grew on me and the intro is gorgeous!