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Former teen queen, now rising actress Mandy Moore has gone retro in more ways than one. First by including only covers, then by restricting herself to songs of the late 60's thru early 80's, and finally even the graphics (including that large Columbia logo like a stamp on the front cover) hearken back to that "cover-age" from whence her album gets its name.

The song choices are excellent. From the familiar Carole King ("I Feel The Earth Move"), Cat Stevens ("Moonshadow"), and Joni Mitchell ("Help Me") to the hidden Elton John gem "Mona Lisa & Mad Hatter" to the obscure (to most Americans) tracks by the Waterboys ("Whole of the Moon"), XTC ("Sense Working Overtime"), and Joan Armatrading ("Drop The Pilot"). Excellent and brave choices!

My regret, however, is that the arrangements do not match the bravery of the repetoire. They are largely copies of the original material, rather than fresh reinterpreations. I'd love to have heard "Whole of the Moon" reinvented as a tender ballad. Or "Moonshadow" with only string accompaniment.

Anything other than karaoke versions. Although it must be said, these are first-rate karaoke versions.

If Mandy Moore wants to be the Eva Cassidy for a new generation, she still has a ways to go. I hope she makes it.


Mandy Moore's "Coverage"   October 21, 2003
 14 out of 18 found this review helpful

This CD comprises of pop singles from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Some are originally by Artists that many people know of today; like Elton John and Carol King for examples. Mandy's voice has matured into more of a young woman's since the recording of "So Real" and her love for these tunes are shown by how she sings them. She recorded them so differently because there's more passion in her for these! One interesting thing about "Coverage" is that numerous Mandy vocals are deeper, stronger, and longer-lasting. A good reason for that is because the songs on here are not like past Mandy hits; such such as "I Wanna Be With You", "Walk Me Home", & "In My Pocket". This album may take a while for me to get used to. It is not like Miss Moore's first two albums and isn't even similar to the third one, "Mandy Moore". But it's awesome music! The lyrics, vocals, and sounds are incredibly outrageous. The more I listen to it, the more comfortable I get with it. I'm happy Mandy got to do a project supported by members of SONY.

COVERAGE

1. "Senses Working Overtime" 4/5
2. "The Whole Of The Moon" 5/5
3. "Can We Still Be Friends" 5/5
4. "I Feel The Earth Move" 2/5
5. "Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters" 5/5
6. "Drop The Pilot" 3/5
7. "Moonshadow" 5/5
8. "One Way Or Another" 2/5
9. "Breaking Us In Two" 4/5
10. "Anticipation" 3/5
11. "Help Me" 3/5
12. "Have A Little Faith In Me" 5/5


a leap in maturity   November 16, 2003
 13 out of 13 found this review helpful

I have to admit that when I first heard that Mandy was releasing an album of covers and covers only, I wasn't looking forward to it. As an eighteen-year-old girl, I wasn't too excited about the music of the 60s, 70s and 80s ... but Mandy brings forth a well-done renewal of each of the songs.

"Coverage" is one of those lazy Saturday morning CDs to sit back and relax to. Or even to dance to. While Mandy's voice on this record is nothing exceptional, the total ambience of the record is well worth the investment. She takes a step back from the conventional "unconventional" type of pop music and a step toward a newfound maturity with "Coverage". The music is so much more than just her voice and the beat; there exists a flute, a sax, some exotic instruments that bring back the hippie/indie flavor of the mid-20th century.

Traditional pop music, "Coverage" is not. But an easy listen and soundtrack to a sunny day it is. It possesses a refreshing and sparkling quality that may even bring the sun TO your day.


Moore!   November 15, 2003
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

They say don't do a cover if you can't do it better; Mandy does it better! This is a great idea and I hope she puts out a double CD of cover tunes next time.

Standout tracks:

"I Feel The Earth Move" Sounds great.

"Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters" My favorite, Mandy sounds amazing on this. Rember this, by Elton John, was used in Almost Famous in New York.

"One Way Or Another" She nails this song.

"Anticipation" Another great choice.

I played it 10 times in my car, that's the highest praise!


Coverage by Mandy Moore   October 28, 2003
 6 out of 8 found this review helpful

During her career, Mandy Moore has gone against every rule in the entire history of pop music. This is truly an artist that marches to the beat of her own drum. Her fourth proper studio album is probably the most rebellious of all, an album composed of all covers of timeless hits, hits that weren't even massive, just ones that Moore has grown to love. The first thing you think is how did Moore even get a hold of these records, but its a very good thing she found some of them.

Had it not been for "In my Pocket" & the entire Walk to Remember soundtrack, Coverage's first single "Have a Little Faith in Me" could possibly be her best material to date. Her voice sounds very strong and she sounds very at home singing the lyrics. In fact, she sounds very at home with all the tracks, especially those that its werid to hear her covering such as a heavily rock influenced "One Way or Another". In my opinion this one is too childish and should have been left off the album.

Other surprises include "Drop the Pilot", "Senses working Overtime", "Anticipation" & "Can We Still be Friends". While its nice to see Moore doing something different, sometimes the songs are just not good, and her cotton-candy style pop influence brought upon each of the track doesn't always seem to work in her favor.

I'm very surprised to see Mandy doing this, and while its definetly not her best work to date, its nice to see her taking a risk and doing something that wasn't expected. I can give her credit for a daring attempt, but it seems that the risk she makes is going to easily overshadow the lacking music. It sucks too because I was really rooting for her when I heard of her doing this. Maybe next time.