Sara Cox, Arrive (Velvet Ed Music, 2004)
There are different ways of writing songs. From listening to Arrive, the debut album of Sara Cox, I would say these songs started their lives as strummed chord structures on the singer's guitar, with the melody lines and lyrics being created from those chords. Not an uncommon way of writing songs, but at the same time a way that limits melodic inventiveness.
Cox has by no means an uninteresting voice. At times it bears a resemblance to Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, but not as strong. Cox's voice is best suited for the more laid back songs, not quite making it on the few rocky numbers.
Sara Cox is a member of the group Coming Grass, which she has belonged to for five years. The members of Coming Grass back her on the album, and they stay firmly in the background, as if to show that this is her album, not theirs.
There are twelve songs on the album, of which eleven are written by Cox herself. The only exception is Richard Buckner's "Fater," the only song that is performed a capella. It is one of the strongest tracks, maybe because it is quite different from the rest.
Not to say that Cox does not aim for diversity. "The Milk Song" is a rocky opener, "Look Up" touches Nick Drake-territory, and "Paper Cup" is almost like a slow, jazzy waltz.
And every now and then she delivers quite clever lyrics, like "Have you noticed that most things come in pairs / Four shoulders make it all easier to bear" in "Single Girl." Or "Teachers say it's all about a strong will / strong willed and alone / but you see them on the outside of broken / and you're trying so hard to stay whole."
I have found three favourite tracks on the album. "Beat Down Grass" is a soft, John Cale-type of song with some nice melodic guitar work lifting it. "Stir the Waters" has a reggae beat and the longest track, the only one over five minutes. And then there is a poppy tune with the irresistible title of "Crazy in the Same Way."
But on the whole, I am not overly impressed. I have played the CD numerous times, but can hardly remember any of the songs, and very few lines have stuck in my head. I would say it is rather anonymous music, which is quite comfortable to have running in the CD player while ironing shirts, but it never really catches your attention. In a world where singer-songwriters are a dime a dozen, I do not really see Sara Cox making it big with this recording. Next time around, maybe?
Sara Cox has a Web site here. The Coming Grass have a Web site here.
