Some People Have Real Problems

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
After a smattering of success surrounding her inclusion in the Six Feet Under series finale with the song "Breathe Me," and collaborations with electronic stars Massive Attack and Zero 7, Sia (Furler) returns with a pop record that's witty and touching, alternately funny and achingly melancholy. Shades of Fiona Apple cross with Joss Stone's blue-eyed soul. Sia shines on a terrifically sung take on the Kinks' (by way of the Pretenders cover) "I Go To Sleep" and her own deeply felt "Lentil." Many of these songs shimmer with a radio-friendly gloss, but the show belongs to this eccentric Australian, who bravely subverts the accessible production through winking and sometimes sinister lyrics. Beck guests on the metaphor-packed "Academia," book-ending lines like "you're a difficult equation with a knack for heart evasion" with a mournful chorus that strips away the lyrical cleverness to plumb the broken-hearted depths of a ruined relationship. Check your enhanced CD for a truly strange video for the hidden bonus track, "Buttons," in which Sia distorts her face using a wide variety of objects, including scotch tape, fishnet hose, and a condom, to name a few. If this playing with her own image is Sia's warning shot across the bow of a popular music industry obsessed with the visual, it'll make you think twice about what you're seeing, but can't distract from the intoxicating soundscape she delivers. --Ben Heege

Album Description
In addition to her successful solo career, Sia has also worked extensively with ZERO 7; She provided the vocals for the hit singles "Destiny" and "Distractions" from their debut album Simple Things, as well as tracks on their subsequent albums, When It Falls and Garden. She also collaborated successfully with MASSIVE ATTACK and WILLIAM ORBIT.

Sia has had huge club hits, including "Drink To Get Drunk" [remixed by DIFFERENT GEAR] and the UK garage remix of "Little Man" by WOOKIE

"Breathe Me," from her album Colour the Small One gained significant attention when it was used in the elaborate final scene of HBO's SIX FEET UNDER.

Customer Reviews: Read 44 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

Undeniably Great! January 8, 2008
18 out of 25 found this review helpful

It doesn't seem like too long ago that I was raving about Sia's most recent album, Colour the Small One, when in reality it was almost 2 years ago that I first heard the album. It was released overseas 2 years prior to that. So for all those Sia fans out there who have been clamoring for some new solo material since 2004, rejoice! Your day has arrived! Some People Have Real Problems is a very different album than Sia's last. Where Colour the Small One, made it's mark with somber, inventive pop songs, this album is much more upfront, energetic, and vocally driven. Sia has seemingly transformed herself from a niche vocalist into someone that the mainstream can't possibly turn away from.

The album's first track is "Little Black Sandals," a song that is extremely reminiscent of the music found on Colour the Small One (one of only two songs that can make such a claim). It tells the story of Sia escaping a troublesome, if not unhealthy relationship. In the chorus, she sings "These little black sandals are walking me away. These little black sandals saved my life today," in a very understated manner. In the last verse she gives us a hint of what is to come on the album by soulfully, and earnestly crying, "He was the line between pleasure and pain, but me and the feet have some years to reclaim!"

The soulful Sia takes over from here, and she rarely lets up through the remainder of the album. "Lentil," which many will remember from her Lady Croissant live album, is an absolutely beautiful track. The lyrics here are touching to say the least. In the chorus she belts, "I never meant to let you down. I'm trying not to fall apart" with such passion that goosebumps are almost assured. In the final, triumphant chorus, she's singing with enough gusto to make Christina Aguilera hide in a closet and assume the fetal position. "Day Too Soon" is a bit jazzier than its predecessor, and is about finally finding the right man ("I've been waiting all my life. You're not a day too soon."), which I assume is a great joy.

"You Have Been Loved" is yet another great song, but at times it seems as if Sia is injecting a bit too much soul into her voice. Her voice cracks and whimpers several times in the song, and while it adds to the song, it can also be a bit distracting. Which brings me to my first complaint about Some People Have Real Problems. Sia is taking a more soulful approach to singing this time around, and after a while it starts to wear on me. After 4 or 5 songs you start to wonder if she'll ever start singing in an understated manner again. It's not bad by any means, but a little more vocal variety would be appreciated.

And sure enough, she delivers. "The Girl You Lost to Cocaine" is an absolute blast to listen and sing along to. Sia songs have always been very "ballad-y." But this songs is reminiscent of "Where I Belong" in that it is a fun, upbeat track. Again she discusses walking away from a stale relationship, singing, "I can't survive with you by my side. See, I'll never get laid while I'm running your life." Ha! "Academia" is another peculiar song. The lyrics are quirky, to be sure, and Sia smartly sings them like a little girl. It works mostly due to it's quirkiness (though I was distracted at first because it's the exact same chord progression to the bridge of St. Vincent's "Jesus Saves, I Spend"). Speaking of exactness, "I Go to Sleep" is a cover of a song by The Pretenders. So if you're a fan of them, I recommend it. Sia puts a nice spin on it.

"Playground" once again pumps up the quirkiness, along with some truly cool production (it sounds kind of like a Psapp song). Sia calmly states, "I don't wanna grow old, bring me all the toys you can find. You don't want to grow up, you can be my partner in crime." Cute. "Death by Chocolate" is a brilliantly written song where Sia returns to a more soulful, gospel style of singing. When she sings, "Death my chocolate is a myth, this I know because I lived," I can't help but think of "The Church of What's Happening Now" when she says, "I'm going to eat one hundred sweets." I guess she did. And this brings me to my favorite song on the album, "Soon We'll Be Found," in which Sia describes the scene of a couple fighting, and losing sleep. Her voice is perfectly suited to this song, and every time she sings "Let's not fight. I'm sorry, can't we just sleep tonight?" my heart breaks. As emo as that sounds, it's true. It is an absolutely gorgeous song!

And now for my second complaint about Some People Have Real Problems: it is far too long of an album. At nearly an hour in length, even the good songs start to wear on you. The next three songs("Electric Bird," "Beautiful Calm Driving" (which is very reminiscent of Colour the Small One), " and "Lullaby") are all beautiful songs and worth of being heard, but by the time you get to them you've probably lost interest. Granted, if you're one of those people who listen to an album a few songs at a time, it probably won't bother you. But if you're like me, and you like listening to albums as a whole, this can be a little disheartening. In my opinion, "Soon We'll Be Found" would have been an excellent closer. Oh well. Because in the end, I can't be too disappointed by something that is as beautiful and refreshing as Some People Have Real Problems. Sia has blown me away! Just when I thought I'd heard everything she had to offer, she completely transforms herself into a soulful pop diva, a force to be reckoned with. It may throw off some longtime fans, but sometimes grandiose greatness does that.

Recommended for fans of Sia, Zero 7, and for anyone who ever thought Christina Aguilera's voice was soulful. This is real soul! (Cheap shot. Sorry.)

Key Tracks:
1. "Lentil"
2. "Day Too Soon"
3. "The Girl You Lost to Cocaine"
4. "Academia"
5. "Soon We'll Be Found"

8 out of 10 Stars

4 out of 5 stars

A departure of sorts January 10, 2008
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

Those who know Sia Furler from her outstanding work with Zero 7 - or even her previous solo album "Colour the Small One" - may be a bit surprised by the approach she takes here. Lacking the electronic sheen of her previous work, this latest release is more straight-up pop-soul, but it mostly works very well. The lead-off track "Little Black Sandals" should be a radio hit (if radio had any intelligent life) and throughout, Sia's distinctive vocals come through loud and clear. It's hard to believe she's still so young, since it seems like she's been around for a while. But up to now she's been kind of a figure in the background, with one of those voices that makes you grab the track listings on a CD and search desperately for the singer's name. With this record, she steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight. I hope it brings her the attention she deserves.

5 out of 5 stars

Some people have REAL psychedelia February 3, 2008
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Sia's "Some people have REAL problems" aptly sums up the beginning of this year. Thankfully, this album is as comforting as a cup of hot mint cocoa. Aussie diva Sia Furler's new album is a contrast with her more somber "Colour the Small One." She has an American girlfriend,she's got RAINBOWS! UNICORNS! CLOWNS!

"Some people have REAL problems" opens with the optimistic "Little Black Sandals." It's about the escape from an abusive relationship. "Lentil" and "You have been loved" recast romantic cliches with an innovative,soulful electro-pop sound. "The girl you lost to cocaine" takes a cynical,zippy spin on a somber subject (sort of like Colbie Caillat's sappy "Midnight Bottle"-the most peppy song about alcoholism) "Soon we'll be found" is a hopeful anthem. "Electric Bird" is also anthemic;it would be fitting on a television soundtrack. "Beautiful Calm Driving" is soothing trip-hop,a road trip song. Very trippin'. "Death by chocolate" sounds another optimistic note-complete with a backing chorus of the Scientologists Giovanni Ribisi&his daughter Lucia,as well as Jason Lee. Pantera is also on it. The highlights are the nerdy love duet with Beck "Academia",the Eastern-sounding "Playground" and the playful dysfunctional relationship song "Buttons."

"Some people have REAL problems" is Sia's playful US debut of sorts. Its blend of earthiness, mysticism, and soul makes it a winning combination. Sia calls herself Lady Croissant;her music is delicious. Drink it down with some peppy coffee! With chocolate of course...

5 out of 5 stars

A great start to the new year January 8, 2008
6 out of 8 found this review helpful

Like most fans, I was introduced to Sia Furler with her infamous track, "Breathe Me", from her album "Colour The Small One", of which I was intrigued. Her smooth, silky voice drafted over songs like "Rewrite", "Sunday", and "The Bully" on that album just captured me. I also enjoyed her proper debut, "Healing Is Difficult". So, it was with great pleasure that I welcomed this fantastic follow up album. I had downloaded "Some People Have Real Problems" several months ago since Sia gave her blessing to do so until the album was released. Still, the version that was leaked to the Web sounded unfinished, rough, and somewhat empty. Thus, owning the actual completed and mastered product is certainly a treat.

Critics have been praising this album months before it was released, which proves that albums leaking aren't necessarily a problem for some. And their praising is well-deserved. This album has some quality songs, specifically "Lentil", the gorgeous single "Day Too Soon", "The Girl You Lost To Cocaine", "Academia" (I had no idea that was Beck singing backup!), "Playground", and "Electric Bird".

I wish Sia the best in 2008 with this wonderful album. I also would recommend to ANYONE to catch her live show, even if you don't think you care for her. You'll still have a hell of a good time!

"Some People Have Real Problems" is a nice, warm welcome to the new year! Do yourself a favor and check it out.

2 out of 5 stars

Not Up To Par, To My Ears January 9, 2008
6 out of 12 found this review helpful

Some People Have Real Problems
Missing the Zero 7 musical accompaniment, and liking Sia's voice, I tried this album but can't dig it. Sounds like Jewel or some similar ilk. Almost too much singing 'in the forefront' and this is too much w/ her voice. She needs interludes of music to complement her talents. Just my opinion. Fantastic artist, though.

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