Pop Culture Buzz

GRADE: B

Sia is an Australian-born pop singer with some big singing chops and a hip look. In addition to her solo career, Sia sings vocals for Zero 7 on their hit singles “Destiny” and “Distractions” from their debut album “Simple Things.” Zero 7’s second album, “When It Falls”, featured Sia on “Somersault” and “Speed Dial No. 2.” A third album (which was nominated for a Grammy in 2006) titled “The Garden” found six contributions from Sia, three of my favorites are “Throw It All Away”, “This Fine Social Scene” and “You’re My Flame.”

In January of 2008, Sia’s fourth LP entitled “Some People Have Real Problems” was released in Starbucks stores across the U.S. Critics have been giving a luke warm reception to her latest album, but after listening multiple times it has grown on me. Sia has a husky growl that aspires to be more soulful then it really is but I don’t mind her earnest vocal abilities. I like her range and eclectic style.

At times Sia can sound like a true gospel singer and then turn around and sound like a top 10 pop tart within the same song. Nowhere else is this more apparent than in her funky song “The Girl You Lost To Cocaine”. Sia’s catchy marketable sound is clear in her recent single “Buttons”. The Tori Amos-like piano arrangements in “Buttons” and the bizarre music video that accompanies it highlight Sia’s quirky style.

Sia recently recorded her own version of Britney Spears’ “Gimme More”. Though it is not yet scheduled for commercial release, its popularity is increasing amongst Youtube users (hear “Gimme, Gimme” on the Youtube clip below). Sia’s sense of humor is just as obvious in fun songs like “Lentil”, “Playground” and “Death By Chocolate” off of “Some People Have Real Problems”.

Sia may remind folks of other piano driven vixens like Regina Spektor or Fiona Apple but her style is quite unique. Her voice is effective and haunting in some of her more restrained songs like “Soon We’ll Be Found” and “I Go To Sleep”. My favorite track on this colorful CD is hands down “Little Black Sandles”. The song is so catchy and original that I think it has great mainstream radio potential.

Although “Some People Have Real Problems” is not groundbreaking or overtly artistic, it is relevant and has an original sound. I have been a big fan of Sia’s work with Zero 7 for years and think her decision to go solo in a big way is appropriate. Sia’s voice is definitely one-of-a-kind and effective, which is why I recommend this perky little CD to fans of creative alternative rock and roll.

HEAR SIA’S COVER OF BRITNEY SPEARS “GIMME MORE” BELOW:

WATCH SIA’S “BUTTONS” MUSIC VIDEO BELOW: