Imogen, on the other hand, deserves all the praise she can get. This girl has now formed a band called Frou Frou, but her one and only solo album stands out as one of the forgotten gems of the last decade - a combination of Fiona Apple's 'When the Pawn' and Tori Amos's 'From the Choirgirl Hotel' is what it most closely resembles. Also, I was glad to note that for ONCE there was a performer who could deservedly be compared to Tori and Fiona, and most remarkably, even sound like them on different tracks.

The first song that I listened to was Track 2 - 'Sweet Religion'. The opening vocals are very Apple-esque, and the production is very reminiscent of Fiona's first producer Andrew Slater's style. This track deals with one of my favorite themes - organized religion and its futility, and if you're even mildly religiously inclined you may be put off by Imogen's lyrics. While Fiona and Tori play to the woe-is-me crowd, Imogen strikes out at society and the establishment, and is a more pertinent role model for wannabe rebels, in my opinion.

The best track here is undoubtedly the first one - 'Getting Scared'. This multi-layered eclectic combination of electronica and rock works wonderfully, and is bettered only by Imogen's thoughtful lyrics and quaint British accent. 'Getting Scared' is also my favorite because it starts out relatively sombre and plink-plonks its way through the first few minutes, and then launches into a semi-death metal groove that is really frightening. This is an amazing track.

The other stand-outs are of course 'Sweet Religion', 'Oh me Oh my', and the stunning 'Come Here Boy', which is so rich in its' lush production and vocal delivery that its quite overwhelming to sit through it. The first time I heard it in the car I was blown away - the chorus comes with a sound effect that is so subtle, but one that envelops you and makes you shiver in your car. 'Come here Boy' is THE song to play when driving in the rain. Get this album if only for that pleasure.

This is one of my all-time favorite albums - right up there with Fiona Apple's 'When the Pawn' and Bjork's 'Post. Stunning, creatively dazzling. Heres hoping Imogen someday comes back to make a second album.


Powerful stuff   May 21, 2003
Alicia (Valrico, FL United States)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

This album really took me by surprise. I had just come off a Frou Frou marathon -- had been listening to "Details" exclusively for about a week -- when I found out Imogene Heap had a solo album, so I went ahead and found a copy and bought it. This is totally different from Frou Frou, but really good in a completely different way. It's very raw and dark and angry. This lady has a powerful voice and is using it to its full advantage on this CD. Personal favorites are Sweet Religion, Angry Angel, and Come Here Boy. There's lots of just really primal noises and general emoting in almost all of these songs, just kind of nonverbal stuff, but very powerful. I was very impressed and recommend this to Alanis, Tori Amos, and Fiona Apple fans. Imogene Heap isn't really like any of those artits, but if you're into dark, angry chicks with something to say, this CD is definitely for you. Give it a couple listens to grow on you, and you won't be disappointed.


Too Good To Be Out Of Stock   October 26, 2002
J. Dunn (Leicestershire United Kingdom)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Imogen Heap is one of only a few artists that make me ache for their next album, like with Urban Species, Tori Amos, and Portishead. I found "I Megaphone" a hard record to get hold of, but after much searching I found it. You might have more luck, and to anyone that tries, I hope you get it. This is really great. By far, this record is too good to be out of stock anywhere.

There are some obvious Alanis Morisette comparisons a person can make, but so what? An unusual voice doesn't make her a carbon copy and worthy of being passed up. There are only 12 possible musical notes ~ does that mean if you've heard one song, you've heard them all?

I first heard of her on the song "Blanket" by Urban Species, and the album of the same name simply MUST be a part of your collection. Her voice at its most mellow is smoky and rolling, and maybe I'm not very bright, but I was actually tricked into taking her for a black female American for some totally unknowable reason. I soon found out she was white, very tall, and English - and there's something about that contradiction that made me anxious to hear more of her stuff.

"I Megaphone" (anagram of her name - very interesting!) is great... I like all the songs, even on first listening, although "Candlelight" isn't a favourite of mine. That status is saved for "Useless". God, it makes me want to see her live! The other tracks too are wonderful, and you can't fail to love "Come Here Boy".

I can't rate this album highly enough, partly because even now, I can't really classify it. That's a rare thing. It's a bit of a copout to call her a neo-Alanis - that's far too easy a comparison. She has passion. She gets tunes and melodies out of her voice that surprise you: "how did that voice do THAT?" This album is great, and I fully intend to get out and get the version with the two bonus tracks.

You will be doing yourself a great favour to buy this album - not like the same kind of favour as going to University, or entering a big cash competition and winning... but a favour nonetheless. It'll occupy your personal stereo for days without you wanting to change the CD, and THAT's got to be what it's all about.


i Megafan   January 4, 2000
Maarten (Seattle, WA USA)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

"i Megaphone" is easily my favorite buy of 1999: I've listened to it incessantly. Imogen clearly stands out in the barrage of female singer-songwriters; the comparisons with Tori Amos and Kate Bush don't just hold up in style, but also in quality. I'd say she's generally closer to Tori , though Imogen is less of an eccentric and manages to pull off tempo and mood changes where I find Tori getting bombastic. I wouldn't agree with a previous reviewer that Imogen comes across as a victim--quite the contrary: I'm hearing an opinionated woman who won't be jerked around--though perhaps somewhat obsessed with matters of love and passion. Her website (www.imogenheap.com) seems to have disappeared, but there's a great fansite at http://www.funkyrebel.com/imogen/. Let's hope Imogen tours again soon. [PS: I've had good luck with the "People who liked this also bought..." stuff on this page, especially liked Veda Hille.]