"Uppers" also contains Fisher's "L-O-V-E made popular in Chrysler's PT Cruiser commercials.

The album entitled "Uppers" does not pretend that life is all puppies and roses. Instead, the songs remind us that love and happiness can come in many forms. "Different Kind of Wonderful" kicks off the album with an upbeat punch, happily reminding me of singer Jessica Riddle. From the all-too-true "Oblivious" (Mr. Oblivious / Love can so easily be found / Just turn around) to the perky "Don't Wanna Love You" (I don't wanna love you / No, I don't wanna love you / 'Cause if I go on and love you / And you go / What then?) the full music surrounds you and makes you tap your toes. "Dirty Girl" has an undeniably catchy melody coupled with dark lyrics. The cover of Aerosmith's "Dream On" is its own piece, not attempting to compete with the original but instead Fisher's own take on the powerful anthem. Television watchers will recognize this version of "L-O-V-E" from the Chrysler car commercial. Most powerful of all is "Closer," a heartwrenching track that builds and builds as it progresses, the type of tune that surround sound was created for.

"Uppers" gives you something to wake up to; "Downers" gives you something to sleep to. This second album is not depressing, but rather raw pain played out for all to see. "Downers" offers piano accompanyment where the other CD had electric guitars. We meet a wide cast of characters - the seductive "Miss Ophelia," Karl, who is "Missing," the hesitant "Rianna," the thoughtful "Miss Kathleen," and others. It also has a great deal of yearning, but without being overdramatic and sappy, on songs like "Believe in Something" (If I could just believe in something / If I could just believe in anything at all / If I could just believe in anyone / I'd be happy). "Rianna" is a beautiful waltz; the word striking comes to mind.

Prepare yourself for a different kind of storytelling. Expect melodies that will stick in your head and lyrics that will haunt you. I highly recommend both of these albums. I applaud Fisher for creating and sharing 23 new tracks with the world in this day and age when CDs seem to be getting shorter and more commercial. "Uppers + Downers" is an amazing double disc release that I cannot recommend highly enough.


Fisher at their finest!   September 23, 2002
Carlos Contreras (Austin, TX United States)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

If a great voice, lyrics and music automatically made one popular, Fisher would be at the top of the charts; such is not always the case, unfortunately. With True North, I was a worm on a Fish(er) hook and now more so with the release of Uppers and Downers. At first play the Uppers CD grabs you with great pop sensibility, introspective words and that voice that just doesn't let go. I couldn't pull the disk from my player after just one spin, it was that good, but I just had to hear the second CD; the Downers. How anyone could have called such heartfelt beautiful music "Downers" boggles my mind. Sure lost love can put a damper on one's mood but the enlightenment that can come from reflection can never be depressing.
I couldn't have asked for more with this release, it's the best Fisher has ever offered and lots more.


Uppers & Downers   October 19, 2002
Montie J. Carrico (Waldorf ,MD)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

These albums have been the best purchase I have made all year.The lyrics,melodies and production are fantastic.These artist really love what they do and it shows.


Brilliant Work   December 23, 2003
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is one of those CDs you listen to and realize why you love music so much! The emotion roller coaster you evoke upon is brilliant! The music of Uppers is an exciting and interesting. Not my favorite disc but still worthy. "Dream On" is the best song on that CD Followed close by the sexy and seductive "Mrs.Ophelia"!! Downers is amazingly beautiful and painful. By far the best CD Ive ever purchased!! "Ordinary Moment" is a nice song, gets alil sappy towards the end but still good. "Missing" Theres nothing to say that will do this song justice, I cryed the first time I heard its soo painful and honest. The best song on the CD. Other amazing tracks include "Something To Believe In" Happy playful but still honest. "Too Late" My second favorite. Again you feel the heart breaking pain she feels. Her voice and musical arrangement is amazing! I wish this CD was more popular than it is..or does it make it that much more personal? Hmm you decide...


A Sweet release for any mood   October 15, 2002
dave arntsen (manorville, NY United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

A two record set from a label-less band with only one prior release to its credit, and even that gorgeous record with little or no airplay beyond the haunting ballad " I Will Love You"? Are they crazy? Thankfully for those of who still think of good music as art and not commerce, "crazy" can be terribly rewarding. Fisher has held nothing back in this dynamic and unpredictable set. The music speaks many languages, and lyrically the album hones in on the full spectrum of human emotion. Though distinctly styled "uppers" and "downers", neither disc can nor need be relegated to a particular frame of mind. Kathy Fisher's full throated whisper is evocative of many moods in even a single song! The lament "Ordinary Moment", at the heart of the "downers" record, somehow seems so hopeful in her hands, while the rapturous "Temptations" is almost scandalous on any record with the title "uppers". Other highlights from "downers" include "My Fantasy", "Missing" and "February 1994", while "uppers" features two stirring covers, "Dream On" and "L-O-V-E", ( The latter of which is used to sell cars by Chrysler{nothing wrong with a little commerce to pay the bills!}) and several wonderful new songs, including "Dirty Girl" and "Closer". Of course, as spectacular as Kathy Fisher's voice is, The composition and production quality on this record stands out as well. Ron Wasserman's patience with a song and attention to the most particular production detail on the record leaves repeat listeners with rewards that single spinners might miss.
"Uppers & Downers" is truly a music lovers record, and Fisher is a band that music lovers must support so that they may survive in the franchised world of corporate rock.