One of the most striking of last year's debut releases was When We Were Small from a virtually unheard of singer / songwriter named Rosie Thomas. On that album, she proved her value as a songwriter and showcased one of the most soothing, beautiful voices in music.
Only With Laughter Can You Win is the follow up to that album. This album finds Thomas stretching herself a bit musically. This is both good and bad. On one hand, the direction this album leads gives the idea that the next Rosie Thomas release will be an amazing piece of work. At the same time, though, this album leaves seasoned fans (as seasoned as a fan can get in less than two years) longing a bit for the cohesiveness that When We Were Small possessed.
To be sure, this release has plenty of top-notch songs. "I Play Music" and "Tell Me How" are more upbeat and catchy than previous Rosie Thomas songs, but in a way that works. "You and Me" could be the wedding song of choice for couples looking to tie the knot. The simple piano instrumentation gives Thomas a chance to let her gorgeous voice shine through.
The lyrics on Only With Laughter Can You Win are not afraid to drift toward spiritual things. The emphasis on every day life that When We Were Small possessed is still present as well. In all, Rosie Thomas seems to have grown as a songwriter by letting her faith naturally work its way into her music.
It is the closing track "Dialogue" that makes the mark as the album's best song. Hearkening back to the sound of "Bicycle Tricycle" from When We Were Small, but perhaps even softer, the atmosphere of the song sets an incredibly peaceful mood as Thomas asks, "Where do they go? Nobody knows."
As a whole Only With Laughter Can You Win may be a small step down from When We Were Small, but Rosie Thomas is definitely on the right course and this album further cements her as one of the best singer / songwriters to be found.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis November 2003Reviewed by Tom BastianFor a singer/songwriter to really appeal to a mass audience it often seems as though they need some personality trait that sets them apart from the rest of the talented musicians out there creating music. For anyone who has seen Rosie Thomas live they would know what I'm talking about when I say that Rosie has what it takes to set her apart. Not only does she have the voice of an angel, but she…Opus 2003Reviewed by Chris BrownSeattle's Rosie Thomas had a good thing going with last year's Sub Pop debut When We Were Small, and she's smart enough not to mess with it here. Only With Laughter Can You Win is filled with the same hushed, dreamlike tones as her debut and Thomas still has that same wistfully beautiful voice that can make you fall in love with her from a distance. Production values owe far more to the '70s folk…Similar sounding releases
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