Comments for Vega, Suzanne, Suzanne Vega

This has to be one of the defining albums of the 1980's. After years spent trying to convince record companies to sign her, Suzanne Vega's debut was an instant success. The album contains songs which once heard, will always stay with the listener. The albums arrangment and production is based around Vega's voice and acoustic guitar. While it may sound like 'new-folk' the lyrics contain a power which has more in common with artists such as Lou Reed. Highlights include Undertow, Small Blue Thing, Neighbourhood Girls and the hit single Marlene On The Wall.

I bought this album on a strong urging from a IRC pal and I was disappointed at first-- this coming from a die-hard Tori Amos fan who is used to tori's rich voice. As I listened to it more and more, though, it got better. Not bad.

This was one of the most underrated albums of the 80s. Unfortunately, however, after this masterpiece, Suzanne took several steps backward. In her quest for for the lowest common denomenator of the top 40 charts, her subsequent albums have been standard middle-of the road pop/schlock. Too bad.

The pure, unadulturated Suzanne Vega. Most probably her best achievement. Whatever happened to her guitar playing after this album ?? After playing electric guitar for 15 years, this album made me pick up my acoustic again because I wanted to reach her level of efficiency of playing.