We can get a taste of Yael Naim's light, pretty vocals pretty much anytime we turn on the TV these days and see that commercial for the MacBook Air, which uses Naim's sweet tune "New Soul." For those of you who want to hear more than just a 30-second snippet of the French-Israeli singer-songwriter, I highly recommend you check out her newly released (in the States, anyway) self-titled album. It is, in a word, lovely.
Her voice has an airy, innocent quality to it, whether she's singing in English, French, or soft, rapid Hebrew. Some of the tracks, like "Paris," consist of simply Naim, a strummed guitar, and a soothing cadence, though there is, of course, also "New Soul," which is more upbeat and utilizes some fun instrumentation. For more about Yael Naim, read more.
"Too Long" is one of my favorites, with a melancholy tinging her sweet voice (which sometimes reminds me of Sarah McLachlan's). Another good one is "7 Baboker," a haunting track that gives a sense of holiness and reverence.
She also covers Britney Spears’ "Toxic" as a twinkly, slowed-down, dreamy tune, not unlike something we'd hear from Bjork. It's not the best song on the album, but it has an endearing quirkiness.
As is the case with most music, this album won't suit every mood. I would recommend it for the stressed-and-need-something-soothing mood. Naim will surely help you out.
Puma
Celine
Bullboxer
I agree!
1I downloaded this a month or so ago but have only listened to it once or twice. It's not the kind of thing I could listen to all the time, but I do like it, with the exception of "New Soul" which has been ruined for me since I hear it about every five minutes every night.
2I also love the cover of Britney's song
3I HATE New Soul. So annoying...so generic.
4I will have to check this out i like that song New Soul, the only place i have heard it is on a friends myspace page
5Does anyone else notice her likeness to Natalie Portman??
(physical as seen by her profile on album cover, not musically, especially since I don't think Portman has sung anything publicly in a while, if ever??)
And in terms of comments below..can't imagine how her sound could be found generic...even in her remake of Britney's Toxic.
If anyone wants any translation of her songs that aren't in English, just ping me (on my icon to the left) and I'll start a blog if enough interest!
Vster
6I love New Soul. Thanks, Apple.
7I have the entire thing downloaded but I haven't listened to it yet.
it is a really listen-able album! I think it was arranged nicely, and I agree with you about the "lovely" ness of it!
8this album is on my "at work" mix when i'm (take a wild guess...) working at the office.
while i normally prefer the Clash, Zeppelin and M.I.A., sometimes they're not so conducive to writing formal letters and reading education reports! Naim def helps me get the job done...
9YAY! I was always so happy when the Apple commercial was on TV because then I could dance to this cute tune...so glad I finally know who sings it. Thanks Buzz!
10my faves are new soul and far far
11SHE'S A JEW. :[
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