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Production Editor

Laura Leebove is a Brooklyn-based music journalist whose writing has appeared in various publications including Billboard, Spinner.com, Venus Zine, Critical Mob...more »

01.17.11

Ultimately a huge step forward

2011 | Label: Razor & Tie

On her second full-length, Mondo Amore, Nicole Atkins's songs span from orchestral and blues-inspired ("Vultures"), to country and twangy ("My Baby Don't Lie"), to slow and loungey ("War Is Hell"). Her mighty alto is versatile: Tracks like "Hotel Plaster" "Heavy Boots" have a cabaret feel similar to Clare and the Reasons, while "You Come to Me" has moments more reminiscent of P.J. Harvey. Atkins still walks a fine line between having a diverse repertoire and being all over the place, but Mondo Amore is ultimately a huge step forward. The instrumentation on 2007's Neptune City was overwhelmingly dramatic and overpowering, and though Mondo Amore might not have any fewer hands, the band is used in a way that complements Atkins's voice instead of taking away from it.

Mondo Amore, Indeed

My husband introduced me to Nicole Atkins by popping her last CD into the car stereo and playing track 3, The Way It Is, totally without comment. He knew I'd love it and I've been begging people all around me to listen to this woman's music ever since. With the release of Mondo Amore, there's so much more emotion that it's nearly impossible to do anything else while you listen. I find driving to be okay, especially since if I'm alone I can attempt to wail along. The diversity of Atkins' sound keeps album moving, even through heavy emotional turmoil. It's brilliance is in her shining voice. I've seen her live in a tiny room and let me tell you, that voice is real, people, exactly as is. And she will blow you away with it. I loved her first album, Neptune City, so much that I thought I couldn't possible enjoy the second as much. I was wrong. I hope I'm wrong many, many times over in the exact same way in years to come.