Cat Power - The Greatest

Wed 8th Feb, 2006 in Music Reviews

No, this is not a Greatest Hits compilation by Cat Power. Instead, Chan Marshall has enlisted the help of musicians that have worked with the legendary Al Green and Ray Charles to produce a deeply evocative and amoving album that once again demonstrates her ability to create songs that both move and frustrate a listener. Chan Marshall’s undeniable talent as a true artist is best summed up in the title track The Greatest  – “Once I wanted to be the greatest, now wind or waterfall coulds stall me.”

Her breathy vocals are forever regarded as being a major factor in Cat Power’s success. This, combined with the album’s themes of alcoholism and loss appear to be translated almost too honestly through Marshall’s vocals.

Most tracks enlist the help of pianist Hubby Mitchell to contribute to the Southern soul feel in the record. However the album also takes the listener on a journey – one that involves tales of previous loveers and relationships that have come to an end. The poignant Where Is My Love is, put simply, the stand out track. Using a few string players and a muted piano, the focus is obviously on Marshall’s vocals. The rawness of her pain is evident in the repetitive verse chorus verse structure.

The Greatest, however, does not live up to that title that it suggests. The second half of the record lacks memorable songs and after a few listens, you begin to track back to the first few songs because they are just that much better. Cat Power’s music contiues to interest and inspire her loyal fans and Marshall’s influence continues and is evident through female artists such as Sarah Kelly from theredsunband and Juanita Stein from the Howling Bells.