When Chantal Kreviazuk hit the music scene in 1996, comparisons between her and Sarah McLachlan and Alanis Morissette were drawn almost immediately. It was easy to categorize them all in one lump, since it was an era where the female singer songwriters dominated and seemed to be coming out of the woodworks. Chantal is one of the few who managed to survive it after the genre died down a bit, and is still making music. Her debut album UNDER THESE ROCKS AND STONES is nothing short of remarkable. The songwriting is a little meandering and ongoing, but so deep and personal, it's hard not to take notice. The album had a few hits, namely "Wayne", "Surrounded", "God Made Me" and "Believer". "Wayne" is my favorite track, the emotion is just so raw and alive. "Surrounded" is also a very beautiful, though sad song. Chantal recorded this album after her motorcycle accident in the mid 90s while in Europe. Other highlights include "Grace", "Imaginary Friend", "Boot", "Green Apples", and more.

I just snagged a copy of the only-available-in-Canada (until early next year) copy of "Colours - Moving and Still" which is Chantal's second release... Very, very cool. The way she crafts her work and then delivers it is very effective. It's as though she disconnects her voice, then tosses it up like a net to snare higher notes... and snags you along with them. Very clear, true and moving delivery. The lyrics and music are at once clever and poignant, without getting too heavy in either direction. (I can't stop singing the bridge "Ever since I met you on a rainy Monday, I can't believe how much I love the rain..."). The way she quietly introduces a song, builds upon and intensifies it's strength, then brings it on back down (as if to get your attention again) is cool. It reminds you that she's trying to tell a story here... and it's worth a listen.

Needless to say I'm impressed. And to think I bought the first CD on a whim after seeing a brief interview then video of her on Much Music. A gamble that paid off...

I remember vividly when Chantal Kreviazuk came onto the scene. On our local music video station, I remember seeing her videos for "Wayne" and "God Made Me". I was hooked. This is her debut album UNDER THESE ROCKS AND STONES. Chantal plays the piano extremely well, she's been playing like a pro since she was just a child. Her songwriting is often abstact and deep, very personal. Her singing cuts straight to the heart and is often painful to listen to, because the emotion is so vivid and real. The lyrics are very personal, she came out with this album around the time that big female singer/songwriter era was around, but I always found she had something different to offer than Alanis Morissette or Lisa Loeb, who are great in their own right. To me the standout of the album is "Wayne", a painful song that seems to be about abandonment. She shows her edgier side on tracks like "God Made Me", "Believer" and "Hands". The piano is beautiful throughout but I was amazed by the closing track "Action Without Love". "Surrounded" was also a big hit from the album, another standout track. Otehr highlights include "Disagree" and "Imaginary Friend". Overall, if you're into the whole singer/songwriter thing, you won't want to miss this talent.

I initially bought Under These Rocks and Stones because I signed up with a music subscription service and the choice of selections was lousy, but I heard her song Surrounded and thought it was Ok, on the radio at least. Then I saw Chantal at Lilith Fair. What an excellent performer! Her songs were great, her energy, her rapport with the audience, everything about her was great! Out of 200+ CDs that I have, hers is in my top 10 favorites. I also just picked up Colour Moving and Still as an import at my local music store, and although I dont know all the words to those songs yet, I am sure I soon will. Chantal is one of those singers I will never get tired of.