Wake

Tara MacLean has been my favorite artist for as long as I can remember. Her first album "Silence" was introspective and personal, as well as a bit heavy. Passenger (which isn't here on iTunes, but should be!) was less introspective, focusing more on social issues and faith, not as heavy, but still deep. Now we get "Wake" which is a more mature album. It's mood is lighter, reflecting Tara's growth both in her career as well as her personal life. A recent(ish) marriage, motherhood, and a focus on her spirituality has set the tone. The only misstep, for me, is the last track "Generation Z." It's political and has a message behind it. Regardless of it's agenda, it's just a bad song. It tries too hard. Every other track is beautiful. "Capsize" is a personal favorite.

I have been waiting for Tara to release another cd. And, it was worth waiting for. Love it.

Tara MacLean has been one of my favorites for years. The three songs that are new here are now some of my favorites of hers--"Things Outstanding" in particular. Her voice is still as pure as it was when I first heard her in Austin, Texas. I hope we don't have to wait too much longer for another full release from her.

Tara rocks. I have everything of hers that is available. I've loved her since I stumbled accross her first CD, Silence, in a used CD store in Oxford, OH (Loony T-Birds). This album is great but has a lot of repeats with Signs of Life also an Itunes plus release.

Tara MacLean is an inspired singer and songwriter. No superlatives can do this incredibly beautiful album justice so buy it and hear for yourself. For an added treat, buy Tara's song, "Earthbound," on The Paul Schwartz Project's album Earthbound (from iTunes, of course).

Its the essence of Tara. After reading her bio she finally updadted her age. No she has not been 26 for 8 years! She's back and from her self penned bio on myspace we see Tara reveal her consciousness in terms of spirituality. The album is an incredible listen from start to finish. It ends with a fierce political song similar to the political bonus track on Chantal Kreviazuk's Ghost Stories. Here we have an incredible remake of Tears for Fears' Mad World. Tara soars through that with great raw emotion leaving you almost with tears in your eyes. Wait it out is simply a song about doing what you have to do in relationships at times."Wait it out until you don't want me anymore" thats all you get. I got you excited, you review the rest. Its incredible worth the 8 year wait. She also promised me a front row seat to her next show. I hope she remembers my last name and nickname. DiGrazia. 5 stars!

I'm a hard-core Tara MacLean fan, and have been waiting for a new album. It doesn't quite have the prickly edge (in a good way) that her older works have, but it's a more mature, earthy Tara. She has such an amazing voice, it's worth buying the entire album.

... should realize that being a snarky witch in nearly every review it leaves does nothing for its credibility as a reviewer, or the people who are seeking honest reviews of the music. If A Second Opinion wishes to be angry at the world, or thinks it is being funny, it is inappropriate and incorrect in its behavior and assumptions, respectively. That said, this album really IS gorgeous. Like other gals from the Nettwerk label (Sarah McLachlan, Leigh Nash), Tara has an honest/beautiful voice, and stellar songwriting skills. She gets into the heart of each track, and makes you feel. While I've already heard a number of these tracks from her Signs of Life EP (which came out on iTunes last year, I think), the newer ones (Generation Z, Things Outstanding, Capsize, etc) are just as good, just as well-constructed and produced. Same emotional one-two punch, same wonderful delivery. Yeah, nothing's changed, folks. Tara Maclean may have started up a family during her solo hiatus, but that hasn't made her soft or uninterested in her craft - she's still creating powerful music for her fans that gets at you, and makes its mark.

Possibly the most pure and honest voice I've ever heard. If you, like me, love music so much but sometimes find you're just tired of everything you hear...listen to Tara MacLean. She, with that voice of hers, reminds me why music reaches so deeply.