CD Review
Ana Popovic
Comfort To The Soul
Ruf Records, 2003 (1081)
by Tim Holek
Review date: April 2004
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award"
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by The Blues Foundation
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On her impressive 2001 debut, Yugoslavia's Ana Popovic exposed her blues roots. On her styled sophomore CD "Comfort To The Soul", she has had them colored and highlighted. Now, they have all but disappeared. The pop/blues princess returns for 43 diverse minutes of rock, R&B and blues/rock. Five of the 11 tracks were penned by the young songstress with the remainder being covers of Howlin' Wolf, Steely Dan and Delbert McClinton. Like the latest craze, the tunes quickly grow on you. The starlet's vocals and guitar have matured since her debut. However, her apathetic vocals are not her specialty yet. Cleverly, they are always second fiddle to the overall song and are well masked by her cultured guitar playing and suave song arrangements. Once again the foundation is laid by Steve Potts (drums) and Dave Smith (bass). Jim Gaines returns as producer but this time shares the duties with David Z. Their styles (heavy and hip respectively) sharply contrast with each other. You'll easily tell which producer was responsible for which songs. However, this is distracting at times as you'll wonder if you are listening to the same album. Regarding the producers, the 26-year-old states, "I just wanted a little different thing - get into loops and stuff like that." About the new CD, she says, "It is different. It is not a copy of Hush. I just wanted to really do what I felt. It's all about me. I wanted to do a couple of blues songs. I have some 7/4 rhythms. It's just groovy."
The opening bars of the power-chorded rocker "Don't Bear Down On Me" hit you hard. You'll sit up and take notice as the sexy guitarist lets rip on a fierce guitar solo and is driven by the rhythm guitar of Jack Holder. "Sittin' On Top Of The World" is given a blues/rock arrangement. The only thing it shares with the original is the title and lyrics. Here and on another track, the guitar babe plays wicked slide. Heavily-produced, adult-oriented pop and contemporary R&B exudes on a few numbers such as "Night By Night" and the title track. "Navajo Moon" is an intoxicating instrumental in the vein of Stevie Ray's "Riviera Paradise". "Fool Proof" is kickin' and crankin' with a catchy rhythm that is repetitive. It's backing vocals and vocal harmonies are pure pleasure. Ana reveals her potential to write award winning songs on "Recall The Days." It has an unforgettable melody with the added touch of Reese Wynans' Hammond organ.
Ana Popovic has released her second consecutive strong CD but it isn't blues and shouldn't be packaged as such. When she sings, her thick European accent prevents succinct pronunciation of English words. Since she is on a blues label, the large rock/pop audience may not be aware of her or the strengths displayed on this album. They include: musical growth from her first CD, using her guitar wisely (not for sensation or filler), wide appeal and David Z's ultra-cool and hip production. Like the sultry photos in the liner, this vixen has got what it takes to turn heads. Her music will stop you in your tracks long enough to remember her name.
For more information contact: Ruf America, 162 North 8th Street, Kenilworth, NJ 07033 USA Phone: (908) 653-9700 Website: www.rufrecords.de Artist website: www.anapopovic.com
Tim Holek, Freelance Journalist/Photographer, www.mnsi.net/~thblues
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