A friend of mine bought this CD the first day it was available (as did I). We both thought it was nice, but ordinary. Yesterday we discussed it again. I admitted I can't stop listening, and that I find something new every time I do. My friend agreed entirely, and gave what has to be the most understated compliment of all: "This one's a grower."

And so it is. Give it a listen and be enchanted.


Between a Rock and a hard place?   August 8, 2002
Phil Dwyer (Toronto, On Canada)
19 out of 21 found this review helpful

I usually come to a review wanting it to answer one simple question for me: should I buy this CD or not? The trouble is, while the question is simple, the answer is not. Let's try to deconstruct the reasons why you might consider buying this album:
1: Beth Orton fan with both her previous albums? Buy it. If you're looking for the lyrical splendour of 'Blood Red River' or 'Devil Song' from the Central Reservation album, you may be disappointed: this collection doen't have Beth reaching deep into your soul and tugging it inside out in that way. But, having not played it for several days, I awoke this morning to find 'anywhere' buzzing around in my head and demanding to be played.
2: Ryan Adams fan, looking for a Ryan fix before his next album (I thought he was going to release four this year - what happened to that?). Hesitate. He backs Beth on a couple of songs, (and sounds eerily like a young Elton John in places on Concrete Sky), and wrote one of the songs in the collection exclusively for her (this one's gonna bruise). But it doesn't sound like a Ryan Adams song as delivered by Beth. God Song comes closest to any alt Country heritage, but that's more Emmylou Harris influenced than Ryan influenced.
3: Chemical Bros fan/Everything but the Girl Fan, wanting more of that oeuvre? Depends. If you've heard Beth's voice on CB recordings and love it, go ahead. But you won't find a lot of their brand of music here - she's got a very distinctive place, and it's far away from theirs.
4: Simply curious about an artist you don't know who has a top-selling album out. Buy it. Then go out and buy Central Reservation and Trailer Park. But only if you like great melodies, beautiful lyrics, and a heart-rending voice. Otherwise leave it alone.
Some have commented on the version of Carmella on the album, and pointed out that it's not as good as the version on the EP. I tend to agree - I can't decide if that's because I heard the four tet remix first or not. Which brings me to the final point. Beth seems to by trying to shake off her 'downbeat' image - especially in concert. She's definitely blasting out the songs on this album on tour at the moment - and doing some rock chick posturing on stage. Which might put her in the no-man's land between true rock chick, and lyrical songstress in which people tend to get ignored or torn apart. I'd vote she stays with the songstress.


Jaw-droppingly beautiful!!   October 14, 2005
Nse Ette (Lagos, Nigeria)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I had never heard anything by British singer/songwriter Beth Orton before this CD. My introduction to Beth was on the inflight entertainment of a British Airways flight where 3 cuts off this CD were featured; `Concrete sky', `Paris train' and the title track `Daybreaker'. Those were enough to convince me to get the CD.

Melancholic and atmospheric soft acoustic folk/rock with a dash of electronica best describes this beautiful CD, a #40 hit on the billboard album charts. Like a number of reviewers have mentioned, repeated play reveals more subtleties of this stark serene beauty.

`Paris train' is a lilting ballad with gently jangling guitars and forlorn strings. In a similar vein is `Mount Washington'. `Concrete sky' is more upbeat (but still delicate) with Ryan Adams harmonizing on the chorus.

One of my favourites is the horn drenched delicate `Anywhere' with a faint jazzy/Caribbean atmosphere and swirling strings. Jaw-droppingly beautiful!! The upbeat `Daybreaker' filled with pulsing and haunting jerky synthesizer effects, and hollow beats is another highlight. A trip hop delight!

`Ted's waltz' is a delicate ballad with faint shuffling percussion, shimmery guitars, and a wistful vocal performance from Beth.

Introspective, serene and beautiful. I'll be looking out for more of her music.



I am hooked: a blend of Suzanne Vega with Duncan Sheik...   August 17, 2002
Manny Hernandez (Bay Area, CA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I can't stop listening to this gal. This is the first of her works that I get to listen, and I am in love with her music. As she, herself, mentioned in an interview, she sorta falls in a category which could be labeled as soul folk. To me she brings back memories of Suzanne Vega with the type of melancholy that characterized Duncan Sheik's music. But also (song 8) she sounds so much like Eddie Brickell...

So far, my favorite tracks by far are: "Paris Train" and the last three tracks. Check her out. It's very hard for anyone not to like her music.


Always Tops Herself   August 9, 2002
T. Ginther (Chillicothe, OH USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I have been a fan of Beth's since her first cd 6 or so yrs ago. "Daybreaker" is such a beautiful, lush daydream of a cd. The first song "Paris Train" is a stunning number that wraps you in it's warm orchestrations. Of course there is her first single, "Concrete Sky", with Ryan Adams which hopefully will help draw attention to this 'underground' talent who is Beth Orton. Every song here is a good or great one. I especially like the title track which I feel represents what she does best- techno beats to haunting vocals. I know the year is barely half over, but so far this is easily the best album I've heard. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I saw her show in Columbus, OH last nite, and the new music is even stronger live. She even does a new remix of one of her new songs, "Anywhere", giving it a thumping rave beat. Enjoy.