SELF TITLED DEBUT (1997)

“Roots rock and folky to the core, I Go Off (and she does) is conceivably a cross-over candidate that straddles the line between quirky alternative and defiant contemporary rock” The Music Network

“The fuss is warranted. Ah Naiad’s debut is wild- a kind of feral folk that’s funky and confronting” She magazine

“ The queen of mainstream pop Tina Arena has anointed alternative rock artist Diana Ahnaid as the next big thing on the Australian music scene. The former young talent timer lavished praise on the 21-year-old Lismore girl- a generous exchange captured on camera. Witness will screen the public anointing tonight as part of a story on Ahnaid, which also includes flattering comments by Rolling Stone editor Andrew Humphries, Triple J’s Australian Music Show presenter Richard Kingsmill and funny man Mikey Robbins. “I think she will probably go on to world domination,” Humphries says with a straight face”. Daily Telegraph

“ Nimbin songstress Diana Ahnaid has drive, big drive. With a voice that sounds like it comes from six feet under ground and a D9 dozer approach to her music career, there is no way this woman is gonna get left behind” Northern Star

“This 21 year olds singer/songwriter has built a local following attracted by her emotional and sometimes primal energy. The opening track (a blast of confidence called I Go Off) from her self financed CD has already triggered a strong reaction through moderate radio exposure. The good news is she’s no one trick pony. The performance of her other dozen compositions is nothing less than intense (sometimes blushingly so as in ‘K9’- I though Alanis was blunt!) the focus of each song is her passionate delivery over some sparse, yet adept guitaring. I feel an exciting career about to take off”. Rolling Stone

“The first thing that stands out about Diana Ah naid is that she’s a lot smaller than her singing voice would have you imagine she is. The second is that at the age of 21 she is an incredibly self-assured individual. She knows exactly what she’s got and she knows exactly what she’s going to do with it. In short, what she has is an impressive supply of raw talent and a fresh approach to song writing that is encouraging most to declare she is the next big thing. You’ve heard her independently produced song on Triple J, I Go Off. A remarkable song. Diana’s story is remarkable. “ John Tingwell, Drum Media

“The opening song of the set and Diana Ah naid had already begun to manhandle the guitar. Her one-woman band theory: demanding everything from the instrument, and giving back just as much. The bleeding fingers and a hand swollen to the size of a small football were proof of that. Ah naid was probably her own worse critic after opening for Cake at the ANU last Thursday night, but for most in the audience it seemed the 21-year-old had near-perfected going off. Overall, the most distinctive quality of Ah Naid’s music is her own guitar and vocal style, interpreting her own original songs.” Ben Reid

“ After all the success of her debut sing I Go Off, which has given Diana’s brash side national exposure, one might expect this album to be full of acoustic guitars and the in-your-face attitude of the opening song. Far from it, the debut album for Byron bays most recent export shows that she has depth and skill with her softer side being exposed several times throughout the album. There are comparisons to be made with several female singer/songwriters with strong personalities- Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morrisett, Deborah Conway, and Jewel/ mainly because Diana’s delivery and subject matter are not that of a victim as can be the trite roll of women in pop. Instead she takes command, yells and screams about her wants, her needs and generally demands attention as well as getting down right dirty in the bizarre K9. And all the time her distinctive acoustic strum. This is a different kind of Girl Power, one that is home grown and super confident. Watch it blossom.” Music Network

“Hailing from Northern NSW, there is something of the hippie about Anaid, from her velvet waistcoats to her dedication to “ music, magic, miracles and madmen, fiery fun and funky friends”. But the girl has attitude to burn. There’s nothing of the doe-eyed, flowery folk favoured by the Jewels of this world. She exhibits a wide-eyed wonder at her own unbridled energy, wether she’s singing about her joy of life or railing against a past lover. One moment she’ll be all-dizzy about drinking coffee and dunking biscuits with a guy, the next she’ll be whooping, “it’s just a dick and so are you”. Precocious and with the potential to both stun and aggravate, Anaid, who at one point performs a barking solo, is never dull.” Who, CD review- B

“ Well she certainly did go off. Anaid burst forth from the Rainbow Region with a strident folk rock song of female independence and ambition, which had massive airplay on Triple J. This record is a mostly re-recorded version of Anaid’s first album and the improvement in just a couple of months is dramatic. Still in her teens, both sophisticated beyond her years and powered by a youthful naivety, and it is this balance that make the best songs on the album compelling. Make It Begin has lyrical freshness and a sublime maturity n the melody. On the other hand, RUOK and I Go Off are pure energy. Vocally Anaid has perfected the screech and the dramatic phrasing that made Alanis the queen of pop, but her real muse is closer to Joni Mitchell, where the jazz and folk inflections lift the songs beyond bedroom confessions and yearnings. This debut announces the arrival of a major talent. Juice, 3 stars

“In the middle spot came guest Diana Ah Naid, the subject of considerable speculation as to whether she does ‘Go Off!’ A diminutive figure, she dominates a stage through impassioned delivery and powerful voice. A brief five song set showcased her gritty attacking acoustic guitar playing (she’s called it the Ah naid Method in homage to the damage such an aggressive playing style wreaks on her hands each gig), culminated in the expected rendition of I Go Off. Other songs were from her as yet unheard debut album, due out at the end of this month, but I Go Off left the capacity crowd with a lingering memory. “ Avalon Sperring and Alex Wheaton

“ When Diana Ah Naid began her set soon after nine thirty the crowd has swelled beyond all reasonable expectations. People came to see not only the performer and the angst but also the passionate enigma that has the label Hot Property stamped indelibly all over it. And the crowd was not disappointed. With the voice of thunder and a hard driving pickless playing style to match, Anaid is the new kid on the block. Commencing with two acoustic numbers before being joined on stage by the rest of her band, highlights would have to include the single Flowers, See through and her signature anthem I Go Off, which prompted a huge crowd response. Brought back after her hour long set for an encore, she obliged singing solo without any musical accompaniment. Enough said. “ Louie Athanasiou

“ Having seen her play at other venues including Selina’s as an opener for Cake and at the Hopetoun, I’m already an Ah naid convert because her charismatic presence is so inviting and her music both vibrant and moody. Her folk rock style, injected with touches of pop is energetic and engaging and for a solo performer she is confidant and relaxed creating a laidback atmosphere for the comfort of her audience. Opening with Masterplan, a strong and uplifting rock ballad, Ah Naid cruised through her debut album repertoire without much of a pause. If nothing else, she must be admired for her stamina (although there is so much more call for admiration) because the power she puts into each and every song is enough to cause a brief heart attack. Playing a couple of tunes with a punky undertone, written for her appearances in the Vans Warped festival, Ah naid displayed her versatility and good humour as she admittedly didn’t take the punk thing too seriously. Her in-between song banter is fun and amicable and she works hard to establish a connection with her audience, welcoming them into her world, telling the stories behind the songs. I can’t help but draw a parallel between Ah Naid and Ani DiFranco- the power folk guitar chords, the rough to sweetened vocals and the familiar and friendly chatter with the crowd. All characteristics are frighteningly similar and yet both are unique characters. Diana Ah Naid has a magnetic aura and she is at once likable. You can see from her glistening face, bleeding fingers and matted locks that she gives it her all, ensuring everyone gets what they paid for. In this instance she turned a bad venue and a small crowd into a rocking evening of lilting vocals and sheer entertainment-hats off to you Diana” Clara Iaccarino

“ This lack of inhibition and pretension is what so many of her fans admire. Her quirkiness and comic absurdity are good fun, and allow even an interview conversation to drift away from purely perfunctory issues. For example, if Diana Ah naid had the choice of flying, becoming invisible at will or reading peoples minds, what would she choose? She would fly. “ If you could read people minds that would take a lot of fun out of things. And being invisible wouldn’t be as much fun a flying. It would be handy, but not as much fun,” she said. “ Shady Cosgrove

“To see her videos or her promo stills, Diana Ah Naid looks like another kid who hangs out at Westfield Parramatta, and she knows it. Her vocals and lyrics, however, have a wild, weighty, precocious quality that puts her beyond her 21 years. Through out her self-titled debut album, she pushes her voice to the extreme and creates the full tough sound of the chick who’d threaten to beat you up in the toilets in high school. As assertive as her vocals are, and as arrogant as her lyrics are, she retains some necessary vulnerability- a complete album of Ah Naid singing at full voice would be too much, too abrasive to swallow. Recognising all the ingredients for a fresh new girl anthem, Triple J put the song on heavy rotation where it came to the attention of Origin recordings (who must be wrapped about getting there hands on such a young marketable talent) Reminiscent of Alanis Morrisette and on the heels of her mainstream and indie success, Ah naid is a younger, wilder, brighter, and best of all, Australian. She’s good now, and promises to get even better with age. Watch her. “ Julie Catt

I DON’T THINK I’M PREGNANT CD (1999)

“ Taking the raw energy and bluster of her raw debut effort, she laboured for nine months to give it a sharper focus and fuller sound. “ Kathy McCabe, daily Telegraph

“ All revved up from the tenants experience, rabid fans slavered impatiently for Diana Ah Naid. And she didn’t disappoint. Diana Ahnaid is a very little girl with a great big voice. When someone can sing like that, no one really notices that her guitar looks too big for her. The last blast for her national tour, Diana seemed determined to enjoy herself. And backed by some excellent musicians, she made sure everyone else did to- the dance floor filled in seconds. One thing I really love is her stage presence. Diana has an incredible talent of communicating with an audience, and it gave a really personal feel to the night. It was a wonderfully varied performance, straying from heavy versions of songs from her new album, I Don’t Think I’m Pregnant to beautifully subtle solo acoustic renditions of older hits. An obviously fanatic crowd sung along the whole way through. Somewhere along the way, Diana mentioned that a certain music executive told her she was nothing more than a ‘glorified blues singer’ and that she should stick to the blues circuit- he must be sore from kicking himself. There’s no denying it. She goes off.” Tim De Sousa, Revolver

“ Ms Ah Naid has produced an album that will surprise fans and critics alike in a most positive fashion. The up beat first single “Perfect family” gives a fair indication that Ah naid has moved on from her going off days and fortunately ‘I Don’t Think I’m Pregnant’ as a whole portrays a much more mature approach” Drum Media- CD of the week.

“ I Don’t Think I’m Pregnant should earn her more than a few new fans. Set to a background of traditional rock and pop, the diary entry style lyrics reveal a raw honesty that is not easily forgotten”. Sunday Telegraph 7/10

“ She used to go off. Now she really does.” The Music Network

“ The commercial success of an Alanis Morrisette may elude her but the maturity of her writing and the passion of her performance bode well.” The Australian

“ This baby is bound to be around for some time and could easily grow into a monster.” Beat

“ Diana Ah Naid has guts. She’s a spunky little thing who plays her guitar with such ferocity her fingers are often bleeding. But tonight she was more plugged in than ever and with her band she ripped through a set featuring songs that were once soft acoustic ballads and are now rocking pop tunes. Remaining gritty and resonant at the same time, Ah Naid’s voice can be both sweet and feisty. She crooned through the solo moments without the band and then pulled a deep growl from within as they returned to add a further punch to her already breath taking presence.” Clara Iaccarino,

“ What really sticks with you, however, is the person who comes through in the songs. “The Short Song” is transparently designed to shock, but most of the album portrays a complex woman whose friendships, relationships, joys and mistakes mean everything to her”. Barry Divola, WHO mag

“This album is going to turn a lot of heads and create a lot of interest in Diana”. Richard Kingsmill, Triple J

“ Diana Ah naid is my favourite kind of girl: one who’s smart, brave, and happy to go really really hard. Even when she’s trying to be sweet and gentle there’s an edge that she can’t seem to smooth out, and maybe it’s just my mood but I found I Don’t Think I’m pregnant to be a very sexy album, despite it’s title.” Western Star Observer

“ But maybe Diana Ah Naid was the drama queen of the year. The sometimes hippy chick spat out a come back record dumping fire and brimstone on pretty much anyone who had done her wrong over the past years of her turbulent life. Provocative and pissed off, Pregnant was a slap in the face for those who’d dropped Miss ‘I Go Off’ into the one-hit-wonder pile.” Rob Sheffield and Jeff Apter, Rolling Stone THE YEAR IN RECORDING

“ I Don’t Think I’m Pregnant, is a totally convincing comeback, mixing full bore rockers with studio-mood pieces and shamelessly explicit snapshots of her turbulent life.” Who,

“ She possesses a remarkably frank vocal style, sames for the song writing ability and has produced a new album that is strictly irresistible and 100% original. Diana Ah Naid is more than back, she has absolutely arrived with I Don’t Think I’m Pregnant. It’s excellent. Buy it.” Danny Murphy , Revolver

“ There’s only one Diana Ah Naid…articulate, witty and alarmingly honest in person, she’s also confessional and confrontational in her music” Iain Sheddon, The Australian

“ The track is full of vigour, is loaded with heaps of lyrical appeal and a neat lyric which is much more radio friendly and ‘pop’ than Ah Naid’s previous release. The start of the next phase of her career begins here”. Music Network

“I go off appeared like some strange apparition. Here’s this hippie chick, straight off the commune, all wild hair and a sweaty strumming style that owed more to the grunge songbook than the coffee shop, wailing about how she, well, went off. Odd. Having been dismissed as the definitive one-hit-wonder, Diana Ah naid has taken her own sweet time drifting back into the spotlight..this provocatively titled slab of tunes…proves she’s come a long way (baby). Ah Naid makes it crystal clear she’s a serious, imaginative tunesmith…convincingly pissed off and musically daring, ”I Don’t Think I’m Pregnant” is set to put a major dent in the public’s perception of Diana Ah Naid. Now she’s really goin’ off.
“ ROLLING STONE, 4/5, JEFF APTER

“ As the opener for Cake, she had blown my socks off with her furious guitar strummings and beautifully personal lyrics, sealing my admiration for keeps. Her songs are passionate and she belts them out from way down deep. She’s a gutsy girl with a streak of the wicked and her latest album is testament to her determination and commitment to thrusting out big tunes…With her new album she has achieved the fuller maturer sound with her band and she’s packing more punch than ever before. And in spite of what a friend once told her, Anaid most certainly does go off”. Clara Iaccarino

“Diana Ah Naid played middle spot the first night but after a pretty spectacular performance and going down favourites with the crowd, she moved up to pole position the second night. Even with an acoustic guitar Diana rocks.” Craig New

BEAUTIFUL OBSCENE

“You can keep your pop stars, here’s an idea for a new reality TV show. Enlisting only the underprivileged and homeless, hand them nothing more than an acoustic guitar and see how many of them can conjure up a song capable of capturing the spirit of a generation. This is exactly what Diana Anaid achieved with her debut single “I Go Off” way back in 97.” XPRESS mag.

“She’s right there; front and centre, doing exactly what the likes of Avril Lavigne can only aspire to, gutsy in your face without the self serving petulance.” Michael Smith, Drum Media

“A stand out is ‘Last Thing’ which will appeal to Avril fans who can’t stand her nasal singing. ‘Addiction’ meanwhile is more of a fuzz fest with a great opening verse to stick in your head for hours” Kathy McCabe, Daily Telegraph

“Too often in today’s market, music is simply a vehicle for fame, with the most essential part of the mix-art-lost in the industry marketing machine. While throwaway pop will always be a necessary element and invariably dominate the charts, artists true to their craft will, if there’s any justice, always shine through. Filling exactly that void is the aptly titled new song Blaring Out the introduction to Diana Anaid’s forthcoming album release, Beautiful Obscene” Drum Media

“ Wearing heels that could launch her to the back of the room, she plays an impressive set showcasing some of the material from her forthcoming album, Beautiful Obscene. Thrown in are some memorable older songs including ‘I Go Off’ from the pithy I Don’t Think I’m Pregnant album, which captures the flexibility of her voice. Her set has a real grunt to it, from the fury of her strumming, to her dominant and sometimes almost growled vocals” Brag, live review

“ The guitars are bigger, the intensity matched by the intelligence of her lyrics and the astute understanding not only of dynamics but arrangements and melody. If it’s all down to Diana having figured out ‘the formula’ it’s still delivered with honesty. This is her reality, still the heart and soul of a woman capable of ‘Going Off’. No pretence, nothing to hide, take it or leave it. It’s obvious why the guy that helped put No Doubt on the map, Paul Palmer, picked up on her.” Michael Smith, Drum Media

“ Hers is a story of affecting people with pure music, rather than media gymnastics. Her latest release, beautiful Obscene, cuts right to the listener’s soul with brave and unsparing views of everyday life.” Michael Molenda, Frets mag, USA

“ The production is superb, the backing instruments finely tuned and Diana possesses the ability to go from a whisper to a shout in the same breath.” Emily Watson, Brag

“With new album, Beautiful Obscene, she is threatening to make it big here and in the US. There are at least three bona fide hits on the record and not one filler.” Michael Liddell, Beat

“‘....great radio songs with memorable hooks. Aside from
‘Last Thing’, other strong tracks are the lyrically clever
‘Dumb Opinion’, which swells with emotion...the first time I
heard it, I was sold!” JULIE KERTES OF R&R MAG, USA

“Cooler than Ani from the beginning: her voice louder, guts
redder. Diana Anaid might be the cover girl for self-made,
heart-warming, gut-vomiting indie chicks.” EMMA PEARSE, VILLAGE
VOICE USA

“A new album, Beautiful Obscene, has recently been released…it’s bristling with as much attitude, loud guitars and personal revelations as either of her earlier, independent releases. Titles such as Dumb Opinion, Blaring Out and Why Should I? reflect Anaid’s continuing belligerence. She’s a complex individual-tough, spirited, articulate and, you feel, just a little vulnerable.” Iain Shedden, Sunday Telegraph


“Local singer/songwriter Diana Anaid makes a powerful return to the racks with a fresh new image and the long-awaited third album, Beautiful Obscene. Filled with the pop/rock fusion that earnt her several ARIA nominations in the late nineties, she has built a solid fan base on Alternative formats with the singles including Perfect family, top ten hit I Go Off and new single Blaring Out.” Music Network


“In 1999, a writer from the street press known as Revolver described Diana Anaid’s album as “ a tour de force of guitar song writing and arrangements…from girly to harpy, her vocal and emotional range is phenomenal!” Six years later, a writer ( namely me) from the street press known as The Brag will unashamedly describe Anaid’s latest Beautiful Obscene as “ a tour de force of guitar song writing and arrangements…from girly to harpy, her vocal and emotional range is phenomenal!” Fresh from touring the US, our ( old school) acoustic pop princess missed the Aussie summer, be it all for a good cause”…..Ellie Glass , Brag

“Losing none of the angry rock chick edge, yet also incorporating a fresh maturity, Anaid’s latest release is a representation of the strength she epitomises”. Natalie Arnull

“ Many female solo artist songs lack substance, but Diana Anaid has, in the words of Bob Marley “ So much things to say”. Although she draws inspiration from her rough childhood, her songs are anything but depressing with up-tempo beats and guitar riffs on her third album, Beautiful Obscene. “ Meredith Dietrich

“ Anaid’s ability to weave vulnerable yet gutsy songs is still raging on her third album, Beautiful Obscene, which follows her self titled debut and follow-up, I Don’t Think I’m Pregnant. While Beautiful Obscene features a mix of emotionally charged tracks including Last Thing, Anaid includes an excited track detailing her need and love for rock ‘n’ roll to be played “ really, really loud”. Her blend of angst, emotion and rock is a hit with audiences world-wide.” Gabby McMillan


LIVE AT THE BUSH THEATRE( solo live CD) & CHEATIN ON ME (studio single)

“Australian music fans will remember Diana Anaid and her feisty, emotion-charged musical journeys back in the late 1990s/early 2000s. She has been a singer with a no-nonsense attitude, yet with that devilish, charismatic charm that endeared her to many. Raw passion with a touch of flamboyance would sum up a public statement about her career to date. It has certainly been an up-and-down ride for the Sydney singer-songwriter as she springs to a new phase and she seems determined to build strength in edgy song writing and performance. In the last couple of years she has been introduced into the US market with a good response and it has now set her goals higher in order to re-establish herself in her own country. "Live At The Bush Theatre: showcases some of Diana's old favourites and the real crowd pleasers. This live acoustic recording demonstrates the honesty and enthusiasm of her stage persona and the appreciation by her audience. She shows her chick power with particular intimacy and endearment. It's terrific to see her back and we await her new material with interest.” Carmine Pascuzzi, CD review

“ Step aside Patti Smith. Diana Anaid is in town. Diana Anaid might not be as butch but she is just as ‘in your face’ and maybe, just maybe, more challenging than Patti” Warwick Fry, review of Live At The Bush Theatre live recording/show

“After ten years of hard work, this staunchly independent and single-minded artist remains convinced that good songs, rather than a stylist and make-over, will win out” Kathy McCabe, Daily Telegraph, 22/3/07

“Anaid is loved by fans for writing honest, emotional lyrics and this acoustic performance shows they’re right. With just her voice and an acoustic guitar, Anaid’s lyrics come to the fore, forcing you to pay attention to them. Whether it’s Perfect Family, a bittersweet yet angry break-up song, or the story of a one-night stand gone somewhat wrong in Piece Of Me, the lyrics are worth listening to on their own. And the acoustic guitar comes across as the perfect accompaniment to what can be raw, heartfelt songs. Go buy It. “ Glen Humphries, Illawarra Mercury. CD review

“ Diana Anaid’s calling card has always been her feisty stage appearances, and the way she infused her songs with chutzpah and angst. This year she has two albums out. One completes a cycle, the other opens new doors.” Christie Eliezer, Brag

“ Feisty and prevailing Aussie rock chick, Diana Anaid, is set to fire up radio waves all over again with the release of her brand new single, Cheatin On Me. Cheatin On me is a heart felt, strong rock/pop track that was produced by kalju Tonuma, who also produced her hit single Last Thing ( which set a record for the most down loaded single in one week after selling 125,000 on I-Tunes. ) Cheatin On Me takes over where Last Thing left off. More addictive with each listen, Cheatin On Me should receive attention from CHR nights.” Music Network

“Diana Anaid is still best known for her breakthrough song I Go Off which became something of an anthem in the 90’s, followed up by Perfect family which again saw the singer/songwriter pound up the charts. Now she’s back again with a new single, Cheatin On me continuing the female power pop style she’s recognised for; strong vocals, rocky guitar and a fair serving of synth. It’s a formula that’s worked well for Anaid over the years with a number of singles falling into that description including Love Song For A Girl and Last Thing. Her songs are catchy and Diana is well aware of their success….In the late 90’s Diana struck a chord here in Australia, a chord that sounded a little like Alanis Morrisette meets Placebo, and although her success hasn’t exactly been mirrored in the States she’s done pretty well over the years as a touring artist there and a power pop artist here. All you need to do is have a look around her Myspace page to notice that she’s got some pretty intense fans who will follow her around shows in Australia and call her at home” Claire Stuchbury BEAT

“In your face rock chick Diana Anaid has just released her new single, Cheatin On me, a raucous, whirling rollercoaster ride of a break-up song in the vein we’ve become used to, though not completely comfortable with, from the northern NSW diva of disaffection. Hostility and isolation run like a river through most of Anaid’s work, and Cheatin On Me is no exception. Of Course, we wouldn’t want it any other way, would we? Say what you like about Anaid’s music, it’s impossible to deny she’s tapped a vein concerning female anxiety surrounding love and relationships. There’s obviously a kind of universality to her work…..What’s the live show like? There’s such a confrontational element to Anaid’s work, It would be almost frightening wouldn’t it?.....Despite suggestions that Cheatin On Me is Anaid’s poppiest work yet, everything is relative here. It’s still tough not to feel slapped across the face by the energy and attitude of the song, tougher still to claim she’s mellowed with age at all.” Tony McMahon


During Diana Anaid’s hiatus from making records, she read spiritual books, looked after her dying father and bonded with her son. So if you’re expecting some sappy New Age drooling about how good life is on her self-titled fourth album (out April 2010), you’ve caught the wrong train. As the new sinewy strumming single “Cynical On Waking” makes obvious, the earth girl brat from Byron Bay has not shed the folk-punk attack of her first album over a decade ago.
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The album has even more pissed-off moments. Opening track “Make Me Change My Name” rails at her father’s absence during her teen days. Lines as “The drugs and the sex that you fed to me. Made me old too soon/ so I buried myself in music” are as compelling as they are disturbing.
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Over ten years ago, some dude told Anaid she didn’t have what it took to make it in music. On each of her albums, she has penned at least one song to kick him in the bollocks with. This album is no different. We’re never sure, though, it’s him, or some other miscreant in the line of fire, as she spits with ill-concealed malevolence, lines like “This mess you left for me” and “what about ‘friends forever?’”.
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But it’s not all days of whine and neuroses. “Diana Anaid” is her most radio-friendly, particularly on the poignant harmony-shrouded “Black Rainbow” and melodic “Peace”. Her strength always has been providing a voice to the tongue-tied and the truly disenchanted members of the ‘illing. The anthemic “Nothing Special”, for instance, strikes a chord when she advises, “Don’t worry about the things that they say/ You can’t please everyone all the time anyway.” On the sing-along “Get Your Freak On” she scolds gently, “You missed a million opportunities/ I’m overcoming insecurities.” Her awkward love songs (“the tension in me is because of you”, “The riot you made in me”) make sense to people who are by nature awkward about love -and about love songs.
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Anaid’s well-documented childhood poverty and alienation continues to fuel her anguish and revenge. But she has developed as a tunesmith, as a communicator and as a confessor. Her voice has never been more expressive. This is her most “balanced” record to date. Or, maybe you’re drawn into her world because she’s learned new ways to piss off the people she wants to piss off, and new ways to embrace the people whom she wants to embrace.

Christie Eliezer- POLLSTAR MAGAZINE