Suzanne Vega

Beauty & Crime

(Blue Note)

Record Review by Janelle Finamore

The most impressive songwriters write lyrics that when read alone can be considered brilliant poetry and when sung are wise and mature songs. Suzanne Vega definitely accomplishes this in Beauty & Crime, twisting words about romantic events and nostalgic memories into beautiful poetry. Similar to the way Leonard Cohen would write a song, Vega sets her poetry to folk music with a lightly percussive sound.  Actually, like Cohen’s books of poetry, Vega also wrote a book entitled The Passionate Eye, which contains a collection of her poems, journalistic entries, and essays.

In the second song of the album, “Ludlow Street,” she expresses her belief that love is the only thing that matters and she recalls mornings that are “painted in nicotine.” In track three, Vega compares New York to a woman (“In her steam and her steel is the passion you feel endlessly”) - an extended metaphor that plays with the listener’s imagination.

“Pornographer’s Dream” continues the organic and relaxed sound of the album by blending soothing vocals, strings, piano riffs, and the lyrical repetition of “dreaming a mystery.”  “Bound” comes through as the most dramatic song with big crescendos and drums that enter during the choruses.  The song is reminiscent of Dido; Vega sings with hushed vocals, there are simplistic lyrics in the refrain, and strings embellish the choruses.  But don’t worry - the lyrics still have that poetic Vega quality, especially in the first verse (“The way of the world has taken its toll / Ravaged my body and bitten my soul”).

“Bound” is followed by “Unbound” which sounds liberated with its fresh techno beat. You can really hear more of a modern electric sound here.  “As you are now” follows with captivating lyrics and melody, with little violin interludes between the verses adding a nice touch.

Vega knows how to capitalize on her strengths and work around her weaknesses.  Despite stray hits like “Tom’s Diner,” her music was once considered too folksy or avant garde for commercial success, but she has managed to incorporate her style into a more contemporary flavor that resonates among pop culture buffs.