It took only two years for Vanessa Carlton to come back out of the studio with her second album: HARMONIUM. The record is a remarkable piece of work, and even better than Carlton's pervious album. Once again, by the Pop/Rocker's side is an amazing group of a professional orchestra, professional guitarist, bassist, and drummer. The group's work had astoundingly progressed with more musical traits such as passing chords, melody lines, dynamics, and counterpoint. Third Eye Blind's singer and guitarist Stephen Jenkins also stepped in as Vanessa's producer, adding his own share of creating this amazing piece of work. The duo's colaberation and compatibility truly rings to one's ears on the track "She Floats". The piece contains a beautiful orchestrated introduction, and a unique use of Carlton's and Jenkins' own musical wailing and screaming. HARMONIUM is a work displaying Vanessa Carlton's true musical aspirations, and the album is a must have for any music fan.

Enhanced CD features contains behind the scene footage of making HARMONIUM.

Stand out tracks include:
"White Houses"
"Who's To Say?"
"Private Radio"
"Half A Week Before The Winter"
"She Floats"

Vanessa Carlton's sophomore effort, Harmonium is a outstanding album. I did not care for her first album, Be Not Nobody. The only songs I did care for were Ordinary Day and A Thousand Miles. Here on Harmonium all 11 tracks are brillant, moody, and cool. Afterglow and Who's To Say are my fave tracks, great ballads. Her boyfriend Stephen Jenkins (Third Eye Blind) helped produced this album and he did a fabulous job with the final result. C'est la vie and Private Radio are really strong uptempo songs. I love her paino playing on She Floats and The Wreckage. She shows great promise on San Fransico and the first single, White Houses. The best song is a tearjerker called Annie, the song is about a young girl dying, "I'd give my bones for you to get a few more years..." Papa and Half a week before the winter show Carlton's growth as a songwriter and musician, "He sits behind a desk of mahogany, he whispers dreams into my ear..." It's a shame this album wasn't commerically succesful like her first album because this could not be a better album. Harmonium is a hidden treasure, buy it now, you won't be disappointed.

With just a simple background of piano, Vanessa stiches the gaps between all sorts of music and makes it "Harmonium". It's a very beautiful album. When I first heard "White Houses", and saw the movie video, I fell for this album immediately. "Annie" is another significant one, it's so beautiful, it brings you tenderly to the scene inside the lyrics as the moody piano carries you to the final end of the four minutes. I must say my favorite song is the light "San Francisco", but I still failed to work out what this song is all about; it's one song sounding quite light-hearted but with lyrics that I believe has a certain history.
Every single song in "Harmonium" is a poem. She even makes the fast "Private Radio" sound beautiful. "Half a Week Before the Winter" sounds like a world of fantasy, but I think she is trying to tell something. "She Floats" is an eerie song about the suicide of a girl. She can be very like Picasso sometimes, only that she sings.
At first I was surprised how less this album seems to be acknoledged by the music listeners, but as the world only cares for hot beats and sex and gangs nowadays, I guess I must not be shocked. Also, these songs aren't exactly what you'd call catching, especially "C'est La Vie" and "Papa". With Vanessa, you get something different from hip hop or pop. I hope she makes another hit like "A Thousand Miles" on her next album... to get the attention she deserves.

Unlike her debut, Be Not Nobody, where the only few good songs were 'A Thousand Miles', 'Ordinary Day' and 'Sway', Harmonium proves to us she's not a 'pop princess' as she hates being called by the media, but she's one of the few artists truly capable of creating an album that's consistently good and isn't ambitious to cater to the masses.

Most people will only associate this album with 'White Houses', which I think is not an accurate representation of this album. To me, 'White Houses' was a chip off the old block where 'A Thousand Miles' came from, and really was just to draw to her sophomore release a little bit of attention.

The vintage element of the album really comes out in the songs 'Annie', 'C'est La Vie'(where she plays the rhodes instead of a piano) and 'Half A Week Before the Winter'. These songs define what the album really is.

One of the interesting songs is 'She Floats', where in the middle of the song Stephan Jenkins and Vanessa sing the vocals for a 40-strong choir, and screams can be heard in the background. It's the most bizarre, yet climactic thing you could ever hear. What's more, 'The Wreckage', the hidden track to this album, is a flashback of the dead girl in 'She Floats', as she speeds through the highway.

My favorites:
Annie
Half A Week Before the Winter
Private Radio
Papa

What intrigues me is why she named this album 'Harmonium' without actually using the harmonium in any of her songs, and perhaps the correlation with the culture and history with that instrument with her songs.

But, that said, I think this album is severely underrated and it's a pity she didn't get to release another hit. Vanessa was going to release a second single from Harmonium (which I believe would have been 'San Francisco'), but her record company decided against it. So she's going to work on her third album, and hopefully it will rock as well!

I LOVE THIS ALBUM, IT'S A CLASSIC. WITH UNIQUE SONGS, WITH GOOD MEANINGS. I WISH THIS ALBUM HAD MORE PUBLICITY, AND MORE SINGLES, BECAUSE THIS ALBUM IS WORTHTY OF GOOD SINGLES. LIKE:

WHO'S TO SAY - THIS SONG IS BEATIFUL IN IT'S OWN WAY, IT TALKS ABOUT HOW WE DONT KNOW WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE, SO LETS LIVE FOR THIS MOMENT.I COULD SEE THIS SONG BEING PLAYED IN ONE OF THE O.C EPISODES.

ANNIE - SUCH A SAD SONG, ALMOST MADE ME CRY.I LOVE THE WAY SHE PLAYS THE PIANO ON THIS SONG. IT'S VERY TOUCHING.

PRIVATE RADIO - ONE OF THE VERY UPBEAT SONGS ON THIS ALBUM. I LIKE THIS SONG TOO. WHEN I FIRST HEARD THIS SONG I HAD IT STUCK IN MY HEAD FOR LIKE A WEEK.

TRULY, ALL OF THE SONGS ON THIS ALBUM R GREAT. VANESSA CARLTON IS SUCH A TALENTED SINGER. I HOPE 2 SEE MORE OF HER AND TO BUY MORE OF HER ALBUM'S.

What a brilliant album. Beautiful lyrics and music, and very different from any other album; strange but nice lyrics, alot of talant no one knew Vanessa Carlton had. In my opinion, the best song on this album is 'Private Radio', 'Annie' and 'Half A Week Before The Winter' are also both beautiful and unique songs. I didn't expect this album to be anything like it is; but it's brilliant and i am very pleased with it. Definetly a five star album, anyone who says otherwise does not know good music.

With her inert ability to hit all of the right cords, Vanessa Carlton had us all walk 1000 miles in 2002 as she begun the monotonous single track strain to make a hit and keep her on the road to success others cannot follow. In planting her foot firmly on the accelerator pedel and leaving other performers in the dust, Vanessa has travelled stedily with her fans embroiled in emotion with a willingness to follow wherever she leads. Vanessa Carlton has been invariably leaving everyone awash with desire, like footprints in the sand being swollowed up by the ocean, and leaving a trail of breadcrumbs imploring us all to 'Be Not Nobody' leading us finally to her 'Harmonium' that's worth the wait.

Immersing the listener in an eloquently flowing 'Harmonium' from the very beginning, Vanessa Carlton ignites a dorment spark within me and hopefully other listeners that leads me again into her enticing wild irresistible world where dreams unfurl and secrets are kept within the walls of 'White Houses' where no 'Desperate Housewives' reside, but a facade is exposed. With delicate beauty and accuracy for a lover's first time, she paints a haunting, playful picture with skillful words in which to fill her stupendous second album, leaving an infectious beat in our hearts and words we'll chant always. I am plucked like a delicate flower, for a corsage on Vanessa's dress as she takes my hand and I give her a passionate kiss. Infurled in the trance of her eyes, I linger. Her web of sticky threads holds me fast in an embrace we never want to escape. You'll stay as enthralled as I was as the music plays and I'm led on a dance with Vanessa leading any restless, unconvinced souls to peace and harmony with her. At the end leaving me forever intriuged how Vanessa has pulled off this incredible feat and wanting more. All in the pursuit to make beautiful music fans like myself will adore as it stands the test of time.

But beforehand I've spun this thing out!!

White Houses - A new life for Vanessa. I actually believed she had 5 personalities. But now I think she actually lived with Jenny and stuff. The piano is simple but it gets the job done. And to this day I still can't play it by ear. But don't bother trying to tell me to get the book--I did that for the first CD and it barely helps--too confusing!! *cough cough*
Basically, the memory of them didn't fade and it clings to her mind. She's a very sarcastic chick on this one. "In WHITE houses" Vanessa stresses. "In WHITE houses." This stuff only would happen in a perfect world. 9/10

Who's to Say? - A personal favorite of mine. I even think I loved it ever since my first spin. It's pretty much a sad song highlighting topics that indeed tested Vanessa's limits--ballet, her parents, a new love, etc...Through it all, I find it inspirational like I found "A thousand miles", but to a lesser degree.
It's a fine song indeed. 10/10

Annie - This track blew me away the first time I heard it. The CD's tone gets a bit darker now. Not overly, just a taste.
"Annie" is a girl who is sick and also happens to be a fan. Vanessa expresses her feelings of sadness about her here. Nothing but truth spills from her mouth--Good and "bad".
Out of the darkness comes a heartfelt track. 8/10

San Fransisco - This is the first track here that showcases Vanessa *truly* happy. I love the way it was made to give you the feel of San Fran a bit--all the sounds transports you to a lake or something. It can be a little quiet, possibly dull to some. 8/10

Afterglow - "C G E" are the notes that get played over and over in this great track. BUM, BAH, DUM! I love it. Anyway, darkness has arrived with this track. While it lingers I'm going to guess her situation here: Her boyfriend, Steven went out somewhere and left her home alone and she decides to cut herself for whatever reason, releasing some stress. But besides that, the track is nice, pretty piano piece. 10/10

Private Radio - This and Who's To Say? battles constantly as my two favorites. I guess this one takes the cake though, seeing as I find myself bobbing along and singing with it WAY more.
Definitely my favorite piano piece. 10/10

Half A Week before the Winter - I believe this track is about a sex experience--Vanessa's first at that. The piano piece is dark but beautiful. The strings are tight. But I'm not one to mention technical stuff because I play my keyboard by ear, trying not to conform if you know what I mean. Besides, playing from a book is hard anyway;)
Keep that in mind if you haven't noticed by now. 9/10

C'est La Vie - D C# B, B A A sharp. I've been told this title translates to "That's Life" in French.
This piece really upsets me because by ear, it's SO hard to pick up. Vanessa plays a harpsicord which sounds awesome but it's also a very faint sound, in a way. However, with that said it is by far, not a bad track. Just give it more than one listen and it may grow on you. 9/10

Papa - I don't think Half A Week Before The Winter was about her dad and that goes for this track too. It's about the boy she had that "encounter" with. He told her sweet nothings and couldn't back 'em up for nothing.
Vanessa vents pretty well, "Love--Plastic love. You're a genuine wannabe. And you got it all up your blue sleeve."
The piano again sends off a darker vibe but it's to be expected by now.
My favorite part is the ending but this song is probably my least favorite. 7.5/10

She Floats - "Watchin' puddles gather rain, there's no better place to lay." That's my girl!--Sad, depressed, angry. Whatever. We've all been there.
But I like the epic feel this track gives off--Seriously. It's like a super pouty kid that can't be satisfied easily, lol.
"She's as fine as dandelions blowin' in the wind. She's not thinking she's listening."
What more can I say? 10/10

The bonus track:
The Wreckage - The piano is insane here and that's a good thing! As classical as a classical gig could sound piano-wise, The Wreckage is a short and sweet way to sum up the pain the CD tries to project. 9/10
Now that I'm on my way out I'll say that this CD is excellent. But I find that I can't play it just anywhere or anytime. There is always a necessary mood for it.

THANKS FOR LISTENIN'.

sweet innocent vanessa carlton? I think not. Analize White Houses.
Hint hint, the boy was her first mistake. interesting topic to write about, but i thought she was so innocent.

IT'S OK , I WOULD SAVE MY $ AND BUY SOMETHING ELSE!

Perfect album! I can hear it two times in a row without getting bored, (notice that in about ten days I will be celebrating a year of purchasing it) I love it, well...C'est la Vie is not that good, is kinda weird... but in the other songs the lyrics, the music and vocals are just awsome! Well done Vanessa, you just became my favourite singer! If you haven't got this cd I encourage you to buy it right now.

3.78 stars? Yeah, I'm pretty mixed about this disc. On the one hand it IS good, it DOES contain great songs, but the disc takes far too long to grow on you and has two key problems I detect...

Problem #1: Putting Who's to Say and Annie as the 2nd and 3rd songs really bogs the disc down practically right out of the gate. These two songs really should have been split up for their own good and the cd's own good. Though they are good songs it makes for a rather weak beginning.

Problem #2: The Finale. Papa and She Floats really don't do anything for me and then to top it off not only does it end on a rather dull note with She Floats there is an even a weaker "hidden track" that truly closes out the disc.

Still, the gem on this is Afterglow and it almost erases the errors. San Fran is stunning and Half a Week is a 5 star song on a disc that may not defy the Sophmore Jinx entirely but shows promise as we all wait for the 3rd disc.

she sounds like ashlee simpson but over nice pianos. Maybe they both went to the same ballet school

I don't really like her voice though it sounds a little better than the first album. She definitely has a gift for writing piano hooks that stick with you though, without which a 1000 miles wouldn't have become the modern pop/rock classic it is known as.

This is a great album and even better than Be Not Nobody. Although all the tracks are great, I'm just going to comment on a single song. The piano in Papa is just awesome. It gives me goosebumps. To be fully appreciated this song must be played loudly. A grand piano is a loud instrument and your car stereo just isn't going to do it justice. It needs to be played so that it is as loud as Vanessa hears it when she is sitting at the keyboard. The piano is powerful and complex in this work. The performance and writing for the piano reminds me of the phenomenal works of Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson back in the glory days of art rock. This is what Vanessa Carlton is all about and she is so underappreciated for it.

Harmonium, released in late 2004, took Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Vanessa Carlton to new heights of sophistication and maturity, but somewhere along the way she lost touch of the catchy melodies that Be Not Nobody possessed. Her self-penned, No. 1 critcially-acclaimed first single "A Thousand Miles" is by far one of the best pop songs of all time (Honestly folks, who thinks up that opening piano arpeggio??! It's amazing), but on Harmonium all but one track lives up to this impressive predecessor. "White Houses" is by far the most listenable on this album's tracklist, with its piano in the background overlaid by some lush orchestration (typical of Carlton), but only a remaining handful are decent tracks; the others, sad to say, are just boring. "Annie" is a touchstone song about losing a baby, and may even bring some to tears with its lyrics and beautiful piano chords, and "Half a Week Before The Winter" and the poppiest "Private Radio" are all good, just not memorable. Even so, Harmonium is an accomplishment Vanessa Carlton can truly be proud of, regardless of its lack of commercial success. Hopefully the record company (who should've backed this album more publicity-wise) realizes this as well.

Vanessa carlton is 1 of my fav performers. I enjoy the 1st song white houses the most. the rest of the album is quite dark in sound to her last 1. however, if you are a fan, I recommend you add it to your collection!

Though I liked Vanessa Carlton's hits when she stormed the music scene a few years ago with "Ordinary Day" and "A Thousand Miles," I didn't buy her debut album until early this year. Her debut sounded as I suspected it would, and I enjoyed it, so I quickly purchased her sophomore release, Harmonium, even though I was not familiar with any of the songs on this album.

I haven't been able to extract Harmonium from my rotation of most frequently played discs. I like this album so much, in fact, that Vanessa Carlton has climbed to the very top of my list of favorite female artists - which is something I never imagined would happen. Vanessa Carlton is a wonderfully talented musician. Here's why I like her so much:

HER VOICE - which is pure, elegant, sophisticated, yet as simple and honest as the girl next door.

HER PIANO - she's a dynamo behind those keys and is a marvel to hear (and watch play).

HER SONGWRITING - she clearly emphasizes the craft of songwriting, looking for new ways to dovetail her beautiful piano with variable melodies and compelling lyrics.

I find all these elements pervasively spread across Harmonium, which is why I love this album so much. There are some tunes on Harmonium that have obvious commercial appeal, but there are others that are purely artist-oriented work. All in all, I find Harmonium to be intelligent music that will be fully appreciated by listeners who like to be challenged as well as moved and entertained by what they hear.

I LOVED this cd. I think Carlton is extremely talented on the piano and her voice is captivating. She is, like many reviewers mention, terribly underrated. But I do think that she is an artist like Tori Amos in that you either get her or you don't. Lke Tori, she will probably remain fairly "underground" and her popularity will be due to her large, unwavering fan base who loves her no matter what. But for the record, I don't consider her a Tori Amos wannabe. She is her own artist and I respect her as such.

The songs were enchanting, haunting, melodic, chaotic, and triumphant all at once. She has definitely grown alot since her first album. Her maturity as a woman, a writer, an artist and a musician just shines here. The difference in her lyrics, her voice and her creativity is astounding. It's certainly less murky and vexing than the first and has much more clarity, flow and freedom to it, overall. It exceeded my expectations, and is a delightful listen.

The only drawback? It's way too short!! I am left wanting more, and I already am wishing she'd put out another album really soon.

She's right in the middle of the pack of all the prepubescent sounding talentless young female singers that the recording industry is foisting on us. I was on the verge of canceling Time Warner cable when they discontinued her commercial. I hope this is the last we hear of her.

First I just want to say, please please don't stop making albums Vanessa, 'cause I just kept having this feeling that she's one of those people who just stops at producing albums while her fans (like me) waits and finally give up hope ( I mean, look at Evanescence, are they EVER gonna produce their second album???). After hearing Be Not Nobody, (and I have to say that I do listen to music for its quality, not because my friends like it or if the singer is good-looking, and I picked up Be Not Nobody entirely on a whim, I haven't even heard A Thousand Miles on the radio because I don't listen to the radio) I was very surprised at his girl's talent. Many people compare her to Alicia Keys, saying that she's living in Alicia's shadows, and I couldn't disagree more. I like her song MUCH better than Alicia Keys (and can I just say Alicia's second album-UGH!) and it has totally captured my heart with its well-blend of music and poetry. And I couldn't be more happy with her sophmore album. It shows she grew up, and changed her style a bit, and made it kind of darker in a lighter way (I know that doesn't make sense but it's true). Like Vanessa's first album, her good songs are not necessarily her cover songs. Although I loved White Houses, but I loved Afterglow, Half A Day Before Winter, C'est La Vie, Papa and Wreckage more (sometimes equally). Vanessa Carlton has serious talent, I heard she's gonna have a third album out and I just can't wait!!!! If you like something different, poetic and enjoys adult alternative, you should serious get this album now if you haven't already!!!

...or so she writes next to her picture in the album booklet
This is the first Vanessa Carlton CD i bought. I must admit I was (very) mildly disappointed. Many of the songs are slow, or sound like something out of a horror movie. Even so they seem to get stuck in my head, and I find myself replaying the album.
1White Houses-5/5 this is such a great song. I'm sure everyone here has heard it
2Whos to say- 5/5 great second track. its a little slower than white houses, but one of the better songs on the album
3Annie- 5/5 this song is SO sad, but it has a great melody. I love the variation from high to low notes. The piano is awesome too!!
4San Fransico- 5/5 This song is so just wonderful. It puts you in a great mood. Again, Vanessa does a great job on the piano, love the chords
5Afterglow- 4/5 the first slow song. its really calming, and a positive attitude
6Private Radio- 4/5 a big tempo change from afterglow. this doesnt sound like it should be a vanessa carlton song, but it seems to work ok
7Half a week before the winter- 2/5 now we start to see Vanessas darker side. this song is sort of freaky, and also really slow moving with not such a great tune
8C'est la vie- 3/5 i kind of like this one. its just different. its a mix between the darker and the lighter of the album. the bridge sort of hurts my ears to listen to
9Papa- 3/5 Amazing piano. this song sounds like it came directly from a horror movie.
10She floats- 3/5 vanessa almost whispers on this song. Its really haunting. and in the middle there is a 2-person choir and someone shrieking which really freaks me out
11The wreckage- 4/5 a great tune, but the message in the song- about the horrors of a car wreck- jsut makes me wonder what vanessa is experiencing
The enhanced CD content is fabulous. it is footage of vanessa recording, writing, and playing her music
*Over all I recommend this album to anyone who likes white houses (the first 4 songs on the album will live up to your expectations)Also if the darker side doesnt get to you, dont waste any time!!
<3 a soft rock/pop music fan

Vanessa Carlton's release of her second album shows how talented she really is. Her touch of piano to the tracks make the album what it is: original and breath taking.
"White House", "Who's To Say", "Afterglow", "Private Radio", "Half A Week Before The Winter", and "She Floats" stand out from the rest of the album. Each one reveals Vanessa's look on life from the past, present, and future. They also show how she see the world and what she wishes it could be.
The rest of Harmonium contain tracks that are amazing as well, for they tell stories which are ear catching. This album is not what I expected it to be after hearing her debut one; Harmonium is a work of art.

Ok, I know the title is a bit much, but I just feel strongly about Vanessa and her latest, the spectacular "Harmonium." I am a huge fan (Nessaholic, as we call ourselves) and I have been since buying her equally amazing and highly recommended debut "Be Not Nobody." It was the first album in my life that I ever really connected to; I wrote a review of that one as well. Anyway, I believe Vanessa is the most underrated and underappreciated artist out there. Many dismiss her as a "pop princess" and don't take her seriously, while others only like the side of her that does do pop music ("A Thousand Miles", anyone?) As for the general public, MTV, and radio, they have fallen prey to the "Pop Princess" syndrome. Much of Vanessa's commercial downfall also can be blamed on Vanessa's record label, who do only mediocre promotion of her work. But I'm here to review the album, so let me end this rant right here. Onto the review of Vanessa's dazzling sophomore CD "HARMONIUM"...

1. "White Houses"- A fantastic album opener and great choice for a first single. I believe this would've been a hit if not for A&M's pathetic promotion. Anyway, it's a beautiful, catchy, and poignant song, reflecting on a young woman's journey through adolescence and the loss of innocence. 10/10

2. "Who's to Say"- Another beautiful song with a great message. It is about a love that is not approved of by family, friends, or even the government, in the case of same-sex partnerships. Begins slow, then the drum beat kicks in and it morphs into an even more amazing tune that'll blow you away. It sure did for me. Catchy, yet beautiful and meaningful all at the same time. Vanessa is no Britney Spears; the song may be catchy, but not in a cheesy way. 10/10

3. "Annie"- This one is perfect. BEAUTIFUL melody; amazingly poetic and deep lyrics. Propelled by Vanessa's refined and breathtaking piano playing, it grabs hold and doesn't let go. Also, for those of you who say she cannot sing, this song should prove you wrong. The notes Vanessa hits in this are effortless and so, so gorgeous. 10/10

4. "San Francisco"- Vanessa is on a roll with yet another great melody. The bridge is particularly memorable. A grand, sweeping, and majestic song. 10/10

5. "Afterglow"- The first real ballad on the album, it starts off with just Vanessa's vocals and piano and a hint of strings. Then, after the first chorus, the beat hits, bringing with it the orchestra and bass. This song's arrangement and the way it was put together is so wonderful. I love it. 10/10

6. "Private Radio"- With this song, Vanessa perfectly combines darkness and catchiness. About insomnia, it has dark lyrics and a dark undertone, but the song's sugary hooks keep it from getting too heavy handed. 10/10

7. "Half A Week Before The Winter"- With this song, Vanessa breaks away from her beautiful and elegant pop songs and returns to a place of gothic darkness and majesty as heard in her previous album. This song has amazing lyrics that carry great imagery. In fact, the song's entire atmosphere evokes bewitching, dark, and haunting emotion. A definite favorite. 11/10

8. "C'est La Vie"- Oh, I love this song. My second favorite. The Fender Rhodes keyboard adds the perfect touch, and once again, Vanessa's vocals shine. In the bridge, she swoops from low to high, back to low, and back to high again. It really shows off her beautiful and impressive vocal range. This is another awesome track that totally dispells the "girl can't sing" theory. 11/10

9. "Papa"- Similar to "Wanted" from her debut album, but shorter. The length bothers me slightly, but it's still a good song. Vanessa's classical influence, particularly the composition of Debussy, really shows in this song. 10/10

10. "She Floats"- Oh, wow. What can I say. The album's grand closer, it is sheer perfection. Everything about it is perfect. The melody, the arrangement, the vocals, the amazing piano...god. It's so incredible. The darkest and most gothic song on the album, it even contains a spooky choral element in the bridge, complete with a high, shrill, female scream. Without a doubt, my favorite song on the album, and possibly the best song she has ever written. 20/10

11. (HIDDEN TRACK) "The Wreckage"- A short, simple song, it's the album's hidden track. Dark and oozing with passion. Great, evocative lyrics. I only wish it could've been longer...but overall, I give it a 10/10.

Well, there you have it. A spectacular sophomore effort from Vanessa; she never fails to deliver. I look forward to her third album, coming out around Winter 2006. Someday the world will realize and appreciate the awe-inspiring talent of Vanessa Carlton, and when that day comes, us Nessaholics can be proud of sticking by our girl and believing in her.

I have let this go on far too long already, but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this album. "Be Not Nobody", her debut, is equally amazing and also a necessary purchase.

Vanessa Carlton originally made it big with "A Thousand Miles", that awesome piano song everyone loved. Unfortunately, there is such thing as too big of a hit. It's likely that Vanessa will be plagued by this song for the rest of her life. (But I suppose that can be a good thing.)

Harmonium got negative reviews from almost every single magazine critic, quite possibly the toughest critics there are, but the majority of the people seem to like it. And with poor promotion from her record label, this album flopped.

I'm not going to give my reviews on every single song because they're all good. (Except C'est La Vie. It just bugs me.) It's very deep and poetic, which only a good musician can give you. Every single person I know who has The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones also have a copy of Harmonium. I find that interesting. And most of them aren't ashamed.

Anyways, this CD is AMAZING and EXTREMELY UNDERRATED!!!! GO BUY THIS ALBUM NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

O.K so finally today I went out and bought the new Vanessa Carlton CD "Harmonium". It took me 7 months due to the fact that I wasn't sure if i wanted it. However, after listening to the samples on this site, it sparked an interest in me, and I found myself at Circut City purchasing it. Anyway, it is a good CD. Some of the songs can be a bit slow and boring at times, but there are songs that caught my interest with their upbeat nature. The piano playing is amazing and Vanessa's vocals are pure and sweet. This CD has taken some harsh criticism, but really none of the songs on her are BAD. This CD is much darker than her first attempt. It is a breeathe of fresh air to air something so orignal as this CD. Yes we all love the catchy computer aided vocals of all those catchy songs out there. But Vanessa has something different. I hope she releases a second single from this album! Hopefully "Who's To Say". If not, a third album is a must and I would buy it in a heartbeat. Way to go Vanessa, keep up the good work! And for all you who bash Vanessa, remember who had three hits in 2002!

One of the WORST vocalists out there today. I can't think of a more irritating "singer" than Ms. Carlton. Thankfully her latest CD bombed so hopefully I won't have to be subjected to her pre-school-like vocals.

Even though this album freaked me out every time I listened to it, I still listened to it over and over. Almost every song has the potential to get stuck in your head forever, although I'm afraid that almost none seem destined for the radio. Which is a shame, because the amazing piano and fresh, creative lyrics are a welcome alternative to all the brain-dead rap clogging the airwaves these days. And finally, I really can't hear anything wrong with her voice, and no, I am not "tone deaf", as one reviewer implied. So, I highly reccomend this CD, if you don't mind the often-creepy lyrics (seriously, "Half a Week Before the Winter" had me up for a couple of extra hours...)

IF you were looking for the same sound as Vanessa's first CD, this one would probably dissapoint you (it was for me) It is compleatly different. It's not bad. just different. Her voice sounds compleatly different, and The lyrics in this one were different and some of them just kinda weird. One thing is I think the piano playing stayed the same (if not better). SHe played beutifully in this album! But I still dont know if i would reccomend it.

Vanessa Carlton I did not truly recognize till White Houses. To me White Houses beats all three of her previous singles on Be Not Nobody altogether. I only had to hear White Houses a few times before buying her album Harmonium immediately. I was curious what else she had to offer besides WH. Well I must say the rest of the album holds up with the same strength and maturity as White Houses, and proves that Harmonium is definitely a step up from the very radio- friendly Be Not Nobody. The lyrics are stronger, and the sound is much more beautiful, intimate and even darker. Vanessa shows on Harmonium that she is not a pop princess at all. She has a lot to do and say in her music, and it doesn't matter if the radio likes it or not.

This album made me a very loyal fan of hers, plain and simple. She is talented, a growing songwriter, and her voice, while some may not like it- I actually love. Her voice grabs your attention because it isn't like a million other girl's voices out there and her singing along with the lovely piano just makes altogether great music to me.

1) White Houses- A- The first and sadly only real single here in the US. This song didn't even do well and that's a shame because it's really a catchy and relatable song. The piano is especially lovely.
2) Who's To Say- A- This should have been a single as well for it is just as catchy and actually quite beautiful song.
3) Annie- A- - This song had to grow on me a little, but it really is a mature and moving song. The lyrics are incredibly heartbreaking.
4) San Francisco- A- This for sure should have been a single not only is it with radio- friendly sound but it also is well- written.
5) Afterglow- A- A slower song, and very beautiful.
6) Private Radio- B+- Most assume this fast- paced song should have been the next single, but I still think there are better songs on this album. This song had to grow on me definitely.
7) Half A Week Before The Winter- A- Well done song really. It sticks out on the album the most for it's odd and serious lyrics. I love the darkness of the song.
8) C'est La Vie- A- Probably my favorite song on here. It is such a bold song.
9) Papa- A- The piano is just excellent in this song, it keeps you listening to the end. The lyrics are a little confusing at least to me, but the piano is the star in this song.
10) She Floats- B+- Another grower of a song, but I got into it. It really is well- done of a song, and once more gives that dark, chilling feeling.
11) Untitled- A- One of her best on here. She is just amazingly powerful in this song.

So overall some songs will have to grow on you, like many great albums eventually do for all of us. And another thing was how short some of the songs were- I wish some were a little longer. Yet this is a great and memorable album. Vanessa Carlton is way past her A Thousand Miles image on Harmonium and that is refreshing. I hope she continues on the same road because I think she'll only get better. We'll have to see, nonetheless, how impressive her growth will be on her third upcoming album.

Also try and get her bonus track Where The Streets Have No Name- AMAZING cover Vanessa does on that song. It's worth knowing definitely.

4.5/ 5

I've read some pretty harsh reviews for Harmonium, and I have to say there are only a few points I agree with. Afterglow isn't much of a song to rave about, but the rest of the album I really can't fault.

The lyrics and melodies are nothing short of captivating, but I guess you have to understand them. Once you're into a song - its under your skin.

"Half a week before winter" is a song I can't get out of my head, the piano repetition pattern combined with what I can think of as a snare drum is really catchy. The lyrics of unicorns and vampires I guess are something of Vanessa's imagination - her passion for fantasy realy shows in the song, while she introduces a more serious and reality reflected side:

"I carry all the weight of empty promise, as I stand swallowed by the light... I hold my head and know the streets are mine tonight"

By no means has she disappointed with this album - its simply a change in direction from her Be Not Nobody album. If you go in with an open mind to Harmonium, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the depth and thought thats gone into her songs.

The tingle of 'Private Radio' never ceases to make me smile, this really is a song to get you dancing around the room, or at least tapping your feet if the situation isn't right! The layering of the vocals in Private Radio is something special, rarely repeated in such a way within her work.

C'est la vie is another song I'm addicted to at the moment, the three songs "C'est la vie", "Half a week before the winter" and "Papa" are the three you might be most tempted to stick on repeat for the bass lines. The lyrics in C'est la vie are something of a wake up call:

"I've been taking what you're giving, now I'm thinking I've been living the fantasy of your sweet smile"

"If you could see the truth within our perfect harmony, you'd see your melody is bringing me down"

The piano in Papa is something to be marvelled at - she's not lost her touch! The beginning of the song makes you feel as though you could get lost in its power, whereas the lyrics are something else:

"Look where he left me. I should have known by the ice in his eyes, but you warmed me up with your sweet demise"

The album is one to be enjoyed, but going in with an open mind is needed - expectations may just ruin the aurora. Subjective views of the lyrics will help the appreciation of her work - the album really brings out some of Carlton's personality and fire, combined with personal experience.

Overall, an enjoyable album that shouldn't be missed. Naturally, there are things some of us won't like, but no one agrees with everything in the world - what's life without differing taste!

What is all of this about a commercial? Don't be silly. Great work by a talented artist who still needs to grow a bit.

I loved her first album, so i had to rush out and buy vanessa's second one. I was extremely diappionted when i found out this music completely stunk. Vanessa's vioce sound totally difrent.

It's been two years between albums, and certainly a growing up period for Vanessa Carlton. Her hit song "A Thousand Miles" from the first album "Be Not Nobody" prompted some of the funniest scenes in the movie "White Chicks", but her follow-up album is almost Goth with its dark lyrics.

Her infectious and energetic piano work brightens the first part of the album, and the catchy lead off song "White Houses" features Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac on acoustic guitar. In another guest appearance, Pharrell Williams sings back-up vocals on "Who's to Say"

The version released in the UK includes a song that is not on the US version, a hair-raising cover of U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name". This song alone makes buying the UK album a better deal.

Some of the songs are downright mournful, including "Half a Week Before the Winter", "Papa", "C'est la Vie" and "The Wreckage". For these songs, her voice changes noticeably, as she belts them out with a more powerful, harsher and sometimes shriller tone, bearing no resemblance to the Vanessa of the first album.

A good album, but does not have many stand-out songs, "White Houses" being one of the best original songs on the album.

Amanda Richards, May 13, 2005

A followup to her debut album Be Not Nobody, Vanessa Carlton's Harmonium is definantly one of the better CD's that have gone unrecognized. Although I am listen more to bands such as the Goo Goo Dolls, Audioslave, Unwritten Law, Cold, etc., this is one of my favorite pop albums.

Although her lyrics are simplistic, they have a deep, elegant feeling to them. Her style on this CD varies from the relaxing, Who's To Say, to Private Radio, a catchy pop song that is about the only mainstream song on here. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Vanessa isn't like other young female artists, who throw down lyrics about their boyfriends. No, she writes her own lyrics about life, her own experiances, and, well even things as odd as crashing her own car(THe Wreckage).

Breakdown of the CD

1. White Houses-Has an amazing video, was on the charts. This song attuned me to Vanessa, and has led me to get her CD. It is a catchy beat, and good lyrics.

2. Who's To Say-About a disapproved relationship. A slow song, but deep and great piano playing.

3. Annie-About a girl she met that had cancer. The piano playing is excellent, the lyrics move along, and the singing is perfectly fitting with the tune.

4 San Francisco-An upbeat song about her favorite city, and one of my personal favorites. Beautiful piano and singing, and the lyrics are on the lighter side. This song also showcases the great range Ms. Carlton's voice has.

5. Afterglow- This is a nice slow song. The piano and singing is soft, and has an almost calming effect. Lyrics are some of my favorites, especially the chorus "If you could see/What's come over me/Then you would know/Cuz' I'm walking free/Wind at my back/and bathe in afterglow". Almost sends chills up your spine.

6- Private Radio-One of the few marketable songs, on this album, it has a fast moving, pop feel. Writen about insomnia, it has light lyrics, but the singing is good all the same.

7. Half a Week Before the Winter-One of the stranger songs, it has a darker sound to it. The piano is good, and so is the singing.

8. C'est La Vie-A great song, with pretty good lyrics. Nothing much to say about to say about this one.

9. Papa-Although a great song, this isn't my favorite on the CD. The lyrics don't connect with me, altough the piano is great.

10. She Floats-A great song about a ghost, with delightfully odd lyrics. The piano and intro are great, along with the soft hushed singing.

11. (Bonus) The Wreckage-Another compelling odd song about crashing a car. The piano, lyrics, and vocals are memorably haunting, which seem to come to mind at night, driving alone on a lonely road.

Overall, Vanessa Carlton has greatly grown since Be Not Nobody. Sadly, due to poor marketing by her label, A&M, and her inability to gain a big head over her first albums success, such as marketball princesses Hilary Duff and Ashley Simpson.

Lastly, Vanessa is one of those quirky albums you can't put down. Pity some can't open their eyes to something besides, repetitive and pointless rap and hip-hop.

-Joe age 13