Mandy Moore sure is smart. It's evident in her 2003 album, "Coverage." Most people would think an album of covers would consist of material usually sung on American Idol(like the horrid Clay Aiken's A Thousand Different Ways), but Mandy Moore actually finds good old songs that aren't even completely suitable for radio. It's obvious that Moore didn't find songs for a singles album, but songs for an album that you can listen through the whole way without skipping a track. Usually the lead single is good and the rest is [...], but not with "Coverage." When I first purchased this album I had never heard most of these songs in my life, except for "One Way or Another" 'cause that was a major "duh." Even though her previous self-titled was good, Mandy Moore uses her vocals much better on this take. Instead of staying in her high pitched state she sings a little lower than usual and for the most part, you can totally tell that she had a blast recording this album and you can tell she's singing with a smile on her face on songs like "The Whole of the Moon." This album is so much better than the early albums of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, and even Christina Aguilera's "Back to Basics" falls short of achieving the effect Mandy Moore does with "Coverage."

Let me start off by saying I am generally not a fan of these teen stars. Hanson's "Umm Bop" IS the worst song of all time.

I heard one of the songs on Internet radio and took a chance on this one. Wow, it is good stuff. The songs range from early 70's to early 80's. She doesn't stray too far from the originals but adds enough new flavor and current production for a catchy and enjoyable record. Great job.

I agree with below review of the best songs being the Carly Simon, Todd Rundgren, Carole King and Joe Jackson ones.

sure, some people think she is a little goody-goody.But, mandy really does have talent. She knows how to sing and i think this is her best ablum. Personally, i think she is better than Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears.It shows the sweetness of her voice and her high range. My favorites are the first five songs. Hopefully, mandy will be release more cds in the near future. The best song is: Drop the Pilot

I don't need a perfect score on my SATs to realize that Moore likely had no idea where 3/4s of these song selects resurrected from, but cut the almost-teen idol some slack for attempting to turn a generation not listening onto something more than the affected likes of the appalling Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears. Her aw-shucks style of pop negates the effectiveness [and irony at times] of the originals, but you want to embrace Moore for the deadpan, obvious passion she exudes while delivering it. My grade: B-

I truly enjoyed Mandy's sophomore album with its Eastern sounds and on a pure pop level I didn't understand why that disc didn't connect with fans of both Mandy and the pop music genre.

This album in contrast shows that Mandy is a very courageous young singer who took a chance in reaching back to cover songs from the past. As I listened to this disc, I did hear a lot of growth in her vocal performances but unfortunately fans who grew up with her did not support the record or connect to the songs.

My favorite tracks are: CAN WE STILL BE FRIENDS (her voice sounds so pretty on this track); DROP THE PILOT, HELP ME, BREAKING US IN TWO & I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE.

HAVE A LITTLE FAITH IN ME - nice but she didn't do enough with the track to make it interesting

ONE WAY OR ANOTHER - dreadful cover of a Blondie classic, although I find the band's musical production stellar, her vocals are not strong or unusual enough to power this song

Overall I think this is a very good pop album and hopefully Mandy will get signed to a label with the creative force to help her produce an album that connects with the public without her having to sell out her image.

Mandy Moore happened, by chance, to be the last in a long line of blonde teenage jailbait pop stars of the late 90s. First in line, of course, was the ubiquitous Britney Spears, a singer of mediocre talents and superb dancing abilities, followed by Christina Aguilera, a singer of incredible talents and mediocre dancing abilities, and Moore's most likely comparison Jessica Simpson, a Mariah Carey-ish former Christian circuit singer of above average abilities, horrible dancing skills and (eventually) "dumb blonde" antics (portrayed on MTV's hit Newlyweds reality TV series, a show that shot the brink-of-being-dropped-by-her-label singer to Britney Spears popularity heights). Moore put out a decent debut record in late 1999, So Real, but failed to achieve the fame and influence of cohorts Spears and runner-up Aguilera (although achieving about the same mediocre album sales performed by Simpson, at the time). In 2000 her label polished up the album and released I Wanna Be With You, which featured some previously unreleased tracks from the So Real sessions as well as some songs heard before from Mandy's debut; better in terms of consistency than her first, the album also featured her biggest single "I Wanna Be With You," heralded by nearly all critics as one of the year's best songs. 2001 brought an entirely new, but still somewhat familiar mix into Mandy Moore's repitoire; her self-titled "official" sophomore effort grabbed rave reviews by critics for being the best teen pop album yet released, but again, as So Real had, failed to achieve significant commercial success by the like of Britney Spears. The album did, of course, feature some of the best pop songs out at the time, bringing in a welcoming "fuller" sound to Top 40 music (as heard in singles "Cry" and "Crush"). Mandy Moore seemed to be going in the right direction and, in 2003, finally broke through as an "artist" over her peers with this, Coverage, her third album containing cover tracks of respectable singer/songwriters from the 70s and early 80s, most significantly "Have a Little Faith In Me," by far the album's most listenable track. Sure, there are missteps as there are on any record, but Moore -cleverly- covers them by giving her (by far) best vocal performance to-date (a la "Have a Little Faith In Me, "Whole of the Moon," Drop the Pilot" and "Moonshadow"). Mandy Moore may not be commercially as popular as Spears, Aguiler and now (sadly, in terms of HOW she achieved ultimate fame) Simpson, but this girl has got it all going for her, no matter what the general public may seem to think. Superb job by a true artist.

This album is very different from the rest of Moore's songs. Much of the songs aren't very catchy at the start but kind sinks in after a little while. But overall, it is a good buy.

Mandy Moore's album Coverage is a great departure from her previous work. The album takes a while to get into, as no particular track has an immediate appeal, rather they are all equally good, and also equally special in their own way.
After a few listens however it becomes apparent that Mandy Moore does have a strong voice, and also the lyrics and complexity of the music becomes evident.

Mandy has done not only herself a favour, by releasing this album, but also young music fans of the world, as this album shows there is more to music than rap and disposable pop.

Quality throughout, highlights do include Have A Little Faith In Me, The Whole of The Moon, Can We Still Be Friends, Breaking Us In Two and Anticipation, all written by some of the brightest stars of the 1970's and early 80's.

The Special edition of the CD is well worth the effort in finding - as it explains why Mandy chose to cover each particular song, which in their special way, give an insight into a different world of music, that is, from today.

Mandy Moore has always been considered second best to the likes of reigning pop superstar Britney Spears and archrival Christina Aguilera, even Jessica Simpson these days (because of her infamous Newlyweds moments that brought her to the public's attention for an additional 15 minutes). But in late 2003, four years after her semi-sweet So Real release in 1999, Moore hit us with an incredible album of covers appropriately entitled Coverage. Not only did its first smash "Have a Little Faith in Me" become a surprising chart hit, it showcased that Miss Moore had not only grown up as a person, but as a vocalist too. Her amazing vocals are put forefront on Coverage, from "The Whole of the Moon" to "Drop the Pilot." Though it did not receive as much commercial success as Britney's 2003 super-smash In the Zone, Moore's Coverage did receive critical acclaim, something not many pop teensters can achieve these days. Congrats Mandy: you did great on growing up and this album.

Okay I decided to give this cd a chance because it's mandy moore. OH MY GODS! It's awful. I mean, what was she thinking singing to crap like this? Most of the songs make Mandy's range go WAY too low. She ultimately sound better by singing a little higher. The song lyrics just suck and it's like nothing she has previously sang. Don't buy this cd. Listen to the clips on Amazon, and you'll hear for yourself!

I have to give Mandy Moore credit for covering such an eclectic bunch of songs. She is absolutely a great singer ( although I think she's a better actress - she was great in "Saved" ). I don't listen to teen pop, so I've no idea how to compare this to any of her albums of original material. I have no problem with the fact that these songs are all covers versions, but I have to say the arrangements, vocal and instrumental, are too safe. They stick too close to the original versions, so it's hard to say they'd got the "Mandy Moore" stamp on them. It's all a bit sterile, a bit karaoke, for me to fully enjoy.

This was a TRAGIC CD! I mean, Mandy, you're a POP STAR! Not a country folk singer. Pure waste of money and CRAP! Pop Star GONE BAD! WAY BAD

Since Mandy Moore came out with her debut album "So Real", I have been a fan. Her voice is soothing and beautiful, and I appreciate that she has kept her image fairly clean.

Not surprisingly she has released an amazing CD "Coverage". Instead of continuing singing modern pop music with little meaning or depth, she has chosen excellent songs from the past few decades. They are pop, but several of them have hidden meaning. Her voice has also improved and the vocals on this album are phenomenal. I am thoroughly impressed. She has developed a unique, beautiful sound and has set herself apart as a competent, mature singer.

Listen to this album. If you like the kind of music she sings, you should definitely like this album. The songs are all great... some better than others, but overall excellent. She improves with every new album. I can't wait to hear what she has in store for us!

I can listen to this over and over for hours. I've always been into cheesy pop stuff (I probably have the biggest Debbie Gibson collection of anyone (well, anyone who would admit it)). So getting into Mandy Moore wasn't too big a stretch. I actually saw the 2 of them together at a radio station promo back in 99. They both sang to pre-recorded tracks, but it was still cool.
Anyway - this album is way cool. You'd have to be a freak to be disappointed. All great songs, all great arrangements. It isn't often you get to hear vibes in pop music today.

I remember this album when I was 16 and heard the song "Have A Little Faith In Me". I love this album and play it loud. Mandy Moore has explored her musical future with heartfelt interpretations of some of the greatest songs of the past with this album. This album includes 12 pop/rock anthems and ballads from the 70s'and 80s'. She gave herself a crash course in singer-songwriter,rock and folk music from that era. This album should have been promoted more. Remember,this was 2003.

1. SENSE WORKING OVERTIME - A fun, catchy song with oddball lyrics. "One, two, three four, five, senses working overtime, trying to taste the difference between the lemon and lime." 4/5

2. THE WHOLE OF THE MOON - I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it and it's my favorite song on the track (tied with "Have a Little Faith In Me.") I believe Mandy said that this song reminded her of a big purple cloud or mashmallow...something like that, and I have to agree. It has this beautiful texture to it. I love all the lyrics, but my favorite part is the "Unicorns and cannonballs, palaces and piers...." part. I downloaded the originial by the Waterboys and I love that version too, but I'm probably more partial to Mandy's since I heard hers first. 5/5

CAN WE STILL BE FRIENDS - The first few times I heard this song, I didn't really care for it, but now I've warmed up to it. I love the chorus. 4/5

I FEEL THE EARTH MOVE - Hmm, I think I may perfer Mandy's version to Carol Kings. She adds a funky, updated twist to it, yes it still sounds like it came from the '70s. 4/5

MAD HATTERS AND MONA LISAS - This is a cover of an Elton John song that I had never heard before. Despite its weird title, it's a lovely song. 4/5

DROP THE PILOT - This song probably has the weirdest lyrics I have ever heard, but I love it! It's so fun and catchy. I'm not even sure what exactly the lyrics mean: "Drop the pilot, try my balloon. Drop the monkey, smell my perfume. Drop the malhout, I'm the easy rider. Don't use your army to fight a losing batttle. Animal, mineral, physical, spiritual." It's like, huh? But I love this song. My third favorite on the album. 5/5

MOONSHADOW - A small, gem of a song. She starts out soft in the beginning, then gets louder towards the end. 4.5/5

ONE WAY OR ANOTHER - Very fun version of Blondie's hit. It's not too different from the orginial, but I don't know how many ways there are to sing that song. Of all the songs she covered, this one was the one I was most familiar with. (Along with "I Feel the Earth Move," obviously). One of my favorites from the album. 5/5

BREAKING US IN TWO - Hmm, I really can't get into this song. It's a little too mellow for me. I wish she had chosen another song to cover in place of this one. 2/5

ANTICIPATION - Great cover of the Carly Simon song, even though it's pretty identical. 4/5

HELP ME - Another song on this album I much don't care for. It just bores me. But besides this song and "Breaking Us In Two," the album is a grand slam! 2/5

HAVE A LITTLE FAITH IN ME - I just love this song. It's beautiful. I can't decide if I like this one or "The Whole of the Moon" better, so that's why they're tied. I love both Mandy's version and John Hiatt's version and I heard Jewel sing a version of this song. I pretty much love this song all around, no matter who sings it. Mandy's vocals espeically shine in this one. 5/5

I have to start off by admitting that I normally don't like Mandy Moore. I think she is a better actress than pop singer. Keeping that in mind, I did give her a chance after hearing "Have a Little Faith in Me" on AOL First Listen. I was truly impressed by her performance and wanted to see what else she had up her sleeve.

Coming from a pop music background, I was continually surprised by Mandy's song choices. She pulled some great songs from the 1970s; including songs from artists such as Van Morrison, Carole King and Carly Simon. She must have an 'old soul', since a majority of the songs selected for this CD were written prior to her birth.

In addition to "Have a Little Faith in Me," some other highlights include: "Senses Working Overtime", "Can We Still Be Friends", "I Feel the Earth Move" and "One Way or Another".

As far as cover albums go, this one was well put together. Everytime I put this CD into my player, I can listen to it for hours. There is not a single track that I do not sing along to. If you are a fan of 1970's soft rock, I'd recommend giving this CD a shot.

Okay, I know what you're thinking: This is Mandy Moore's sad attempt at credibility. But, she actually pulls it off.

I admit, the thing that originally drew me to this CD was the same magnetism that makes people stop at traffic accidents; kind of a "how BAD CAN THIS REALLY BE" curiosity. But, I was proven wrong with the opening beats to "Senses Working Overtime". Mandy actually takes this XTC college radio gem and transforms it into a irresistable pop song.

The tracklist on Coverage reads like a record-geeks' dream: cult songwriters like Joan Armatrading, Todd Rundgren and Joe Jackson; college radio kings the Waterboys and XTC; even the Elton John song isn't an obvious one.

The arrangments are smart and tasteful, sometimes taking risks, like the funked-up "I Feel the Earth Move" or the countryfied "Anticipation," but other times, playing it straight, like on her excellent reading of "Can We Still Be Friends" or "Whole of the Moon". This leaves plenty of room to showcase Moore's voice. She isn't inventing the wheel with these interpretations; this is meant to but fun, but she never borders on pretentious either.

There have been numerous cover albums over the last few years. But, unlike the Rod Stewart and Michael McDonald outings, Mandy Moore actually takes risks and covers some rather heady material. And put Coverage up against the atrocious "California" from Wilson Phillips and there's NO comparison. Moore's disc is a fun listen, Wilson Phillips is blasphemy.

I love Mandy Moore, I think she's a great actress. A Walk To Remember is one of my favorite movies of all time. Of course having Shane West in it, helps to.

This cd is a great combination of tunes. Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters is great, all of the songs are. But my most favorite song is Whole of the Moon...takes me back to my childhood. Daydreams and adventures.

Some of the other reviews are critical because Mandy didn't write the songs, well you know what people? Get over it! There are singers that are also songwriters, such as Dolly Parton. Then there just singers alone. So let it be. And just be happy with this great cd!!

Way to go Mandy, can't wait until the next cd comes out!!!

Great CD covering many past artists. I really like her cover of Blonde's "One Way or Another". I would've cringe if any other artist covered it, but Mandy's proves that can rock on this track. Almost all of the tracks are great. Two minor problems: I wish the company would put the artist and song that Mandy is covering- I didn't know that "Moonshadow" was Cat Steven's (I saw a clip of him on 20/20) and if Mandy was to cover a Joe Jackson song, I'd like "Steppin' Out" instead of "Breaking Us In Two". Overall, a great work, and Mandy came a long way from bubblegum pop.

Mandy Moore is an amazing vocalist and the songs she chose are great!when i first bought this album it was all i listened to and i still enjoy listening too it after owning it for over 5 months.Here is the ratings out of 10 for each song
Senses working over time-10
The whole of the moon-10
Can we still be friends-8
I feel the earth move-6
Mona Lisas and Mad hatters-8
Drop the pilot-6
moonshadow-9
one way or another-7
breaking us in two-8
anticipation-8
help me-9
have a little faith in me-7
this is one of the best albums i own and considering all the songs are remakes that is very good,but i can't wait till mandy starts writing her own songs,if she ever does!

Senses Working Overtime - 8/10
the Whole of the Moon - 10/10
Can We Still Be Friends - 7/10
I Feel The Earth Move - 9/10
Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters - 10/10 - BEST Song
Drop the Pilot - 8/10
Moonshadow - 9/10
One Way Or Another - 8/10
Breaking us In 2 - 9/10
Anticipation - 9/10
Help Me - 9/10
Have A Little Faith In Me - 10/10

Mandy Moore is excellent on her latest album. Filled with classic songs with Moore's personal touch, this album is a great effort! Among the tracks you'll be singing along to: "Have A Little Faith In Me" and "Drop the Pilot" (my personal favorites). Moore puts a spin on these songs which make them all her own-and in a good way, no less. Check it out!

Mandy moore is an amazing singer,and has definately proved it by making these old songs her own!!She did an unbelievable rendition of all the songs on this CD.Her versions are better than the originals(in my opinion).Mandy can seem to sing any kind of song she wants,and have it work for her.I have never heard a more talented singer in all my life,and that's a long time!!I just love this cd,and would recommend it to everyone!!!
Doris M.M.

I think all the songs Mandy picked to put on this album suit her voice well. The only reason I give this four stars, instead of five, is because of the song Breaking Us In Two - The way it's arainged makes it have a lazy feel to it and it gets boring rather quick.
Every other song on tis album i awesome, tho!

I LOVE THIS CD. Mandy Moore does a truly fantastic job of covering these songs. I was a fan of Elton John's Mona Lisas and Mad Hatter's before buying this CD, and I was familiar with Cat Steven's Moonshadow, and those were the songs I was scared of letting Mandy handle, but she passes. With flying colors.

Mandy's maturity really shines on some songs (Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters) but on others, you're reminded that this is the same girl as the blonde who sang, "Stupid Cupid" in Princess Diaries.

I'm so glad I bought this CD, it hasn't left my CD player yet. I HIGHLY suggest, if you are a Mandy fan and a fan of good music, that you buy it.

I don't care! Though nothing here really grabs you, they are some beautiful, old-fashioned songs, and my hat goes down to Miss Moore because she, unlike, pretty much every single other female pop tyrant out there, is showing class even after releasing a whopping four albums. It has been devastating to watch in complete and utter horror as pretty much every single other female pop singer (no, make that modernday singers in general) digress into flaming little whorebags. But Mandy refuses to shed her clothes and her pride, luckily. And her songs aren't filled with foul-mouthed innuendos and sultry pantings, either. And you know what? I really respect her for that, and that alone is enough to award her four stars.

This is a good coverage cd because the producers had remake classics without killing them in over production for the most part they pulled it off. What really stands out is Mandy Moore's ability to change her voice for each song, she has a chunky voice for songs like "one way or another" but she also can have a very soft voice for songs like "Moon Shadow".

Mandy Moore has an incredible voice and this CD proves it. She has done an outstanding job of picking classic and not so classic songs to cover. Some are well-known hits (Todd Rundgren's "Can We Still Be Friends" and Blondie's "One Way or Another") but she has dug deeper for some lost treasures as well (XTC's "Senses Working Overtime" and others.) It is a great variety and the songs work incredibly well for Mandy's voice. This is a terrific CD, one I can put on and sing along to. It's a very refreshing change from other pop albums. Mandy has certainly come a long way from her first single and I look forward to hearing what she does next. This is the CD that will please her older fans and garner her some new ones. Wait to go Mandy!

Mandy Moore has created a wonderful album. Combining her awesome voice and the handy work of talented producers and mixers, this album is flawless. I also suggest checking out all the movies shes done....unlike other singers turned actresses, she actually CAN act, her charm sticks out. Go Mandy Moore!!!

Mandy is my baby girl. She exudes the "it" factor. Great album Mandy! Can't wait 'til your fifth one drops in stores!

Even without having purchased any but one of Ms. Moore's previous albums, I can say without hesitation that this is the best one of them all. She lets go of the bubble gum pop that she is associated with and opts for songs of substance, sophistication, and depth. She demonstrates her obvious maturity, both in her change of style and in her voice. Before I heard the songs on Coverage, I thought she was just a good singer, not great though, and that she got lucky with her record deal. I realize how wrong I was. Mandy's voice is superb in this album. It is no longer the soft, girly-girl voice that was drowned out by background vocals and beats. Her voice seems to exude confidence and power; at times it gives me the chills it's so beautiful. I really hope that more people will listen to this album and discover Mandy's new [and better] sound. I would be wonderful if is she could be rewarded for her daring and astounding efforts for Coverage. A truly wonderful album; every song is great.

In case some of you didn't know, this is a cover album. Like Michael McDonald's Motown album, this album takes songs from famous songwriters or from songs that Mandy really liked and put her own spin on them. Usually a cover album early in a singer's career is like a kiss of death, or it's seen as a last resort for someone losing their talent. But that's not always the case, especially with this one. This album has better production than her previous album, and Mandy's voice really does carry more confidence (which I think came from the fact that despite what her record label said, she wanted to record this). It seems as a labor of love for Mandy because this isn't something that young pop artists do. Anyway her pick of songs really are from a wide range. She does justice for the great Elton John song "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and then goes to a rock sound tune "Drop the Pilot". I can just imagine her doing a jazz song cover (think about it Mandy). She has so much potential and talent, and this gives but a glance of it. I can without hesitation say that this is Mandy's best album and I hope that she'll get recognition from her peers for her hard work on this. For the Grammys she should get nominations for Best Pop Vocal Album ("Coverage") and Best Female Pop Performance (Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters). For her a nomination itself would be a reward. I hope the best for her future projects.

Her remakes were ok but I didn't like the songs that she chose. I think she should have written more songs.

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Mandy Moore was the last of the 1999 boom of female pop singing sensations, but with her fourth album Coverage she comes closer than any of the others (Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson) have yet. She's probably the most decent and favorite among adults whose kids listen to one of the above because she's doing the business right: No extra skin shown, no ditziness, no profanity. Moore has just been herself and that's part of the reason I like her so much. Sure, I'm a huge fan of Britney's, I respect Christina for her voice and typical-blonde Jessica for her earlier recordings, but Mandy has shown true potential. Her voice has definitely matured from its high-pitched breathiness to distinctive, sweet-as-sugar power chops. Coverage covers classic pop/rocks hits and Mandy Moore does a pretty good job. Can't say the fans who've stayed with her since she debuted will like this too much, but it is definitely respectable. Keep up the good work, Mandy! It's sure paid off.