Susie Suh (born in Los Angeles, California) is a Korean-American adult alternative / folk-rock singer-songwriter. Her music is often compared to Fiona Apple, Sarah McLachlan, and Aimee Mann. Suh cites Joni Mitchell and Beth Gibbons among her influences
Her debut album, Susie Suh, was produced by Glen Ballard and released on Epic Records in 2005. Five songs from that album were used on the TV series One Tree Hill, among them Recognition, "All I Want" and Light On My Shoulder.
"Shell," from her self-titled release, was featured on the soundtrack of the 2005 film Must Love Dogs.
I first heard Susie Suh's angelic voice on `So You Think You Can Dance' when a song called `All I Want' was played. The version used on the show was actually the classical version played by Ahn Trio, but Suh's voice was still radiant and completely commanding. I downloaded the Ahn Trio version the next day and listened to it nearly 100 times that day alone (seriously, I had it on repeat and my iTunes and it shows me how many times it's been played).
So, I'm not sure why, but it took me a while to actually look up Suh herself; but I finally did, and I have to say that her self titled debut album is truly astonishing.
It has been said that Susie Suh brings nothing new to the table, and that much is true, but she does a remarkable job of making us love her with every single word. Her voice is so rich with vulnerability that I can't help but sink into every word she sings, even if she doesn't impress with endless bouts of creativity. The songs collected here are simple yet they have a soft polish to them that makes them endearing and memorable.
The opening track `Won't You Come Again' is a beautiful example of Suh's tender approach to music. Her voice just caresses our ears and sinks into our soul. What I love about this album is that she does exactly what I have stated countless times before as the smartest move any musical artist can make is; she opens and closes her album with her best. As wonderful as `Won't You Come Again' is, `All I Want' is just brilliant. Those who have only heard the classical version are in for a treat here. With the violins stripped away there is a rawness that is left; Suh basically collapsing in emotional turmoil over the morose piano chords. Both versions are beautiful, but I prefer this one for its emotional intensity alone.
`Your Battlefield' is one of my favorites here. It has an edge to it that suits Suh very well; carrying with it comparisons to the likes of Fiona Apple and my personal goddess Anouk. `Recognition' is another one near and dear to me, with a delicate yet powerful delivery that stirs something in me.
`Shell' is a memorable track, as is `Light on My Shoulder', a song that is very haunting in nature. Now, addressing the issue of `nothing new' can bring into play another slight problem. With nothing new being presented at times her songs can seem almost too similar. Tracks like the aforementioned (especially `Won't You Come Again, `You Battlefield', `Recognition' and `All I Want') have enough to stand out on their own, but tracks like `Seasons Change' and especially `Harmony' can appear almost `been-there-done-that'. They are good songs, but they don't pop the way they should.
`Lucille' has a nice vibe to it, something sultry and different enough to stand out in the bunch.
`Petrified to Be God-Like' is one of those songs that just instantly stands out and reaches inside you. I was a huge believer in this song as the best on the album for quite a while. But, and here is the but; there is just something about the chorus that kind of grows tiring after a few listens. It seems almost lazy (how, I don't know...I mean, I don't even understand my own reasoning here so don't try to...but it just does to me for some strange reason). It is moving and touching and all embracing, and Suh's voice is magnificent, but it doesn't seem as inspired after I really listened to it. It's one of those songs that, when running in the background, can grab your attention; but when you sit down and listen to the album all the way through it doesn't hold up as well as some others.
So, I totally recommend this album. If you like a good female vocal and some stripped down mood music then Suh may be just what you need. (Amazon Review)
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