Remember Dido? It's pretty hard to think all the way back to 2003, when "Life for Rent" was slowly burning up the charts. That's just Dido's nature, slow and elegant, and while there's nothing wrong with quiet, calming music, even Dido herself might have finally realized that her first two albums were a bit too stiff. So, after a quiet five years, she returns with "Safe Trip Home". Upon first glance, you'll notice that this is her first album without her on its cover, this time all we get is an astronaut in space, hence the title of the album, "Safe Trip Home". Although, that's probably the only reason why the album was named with this title, as it suggests that it has some sort of theme, which it doesn't, and it also suggests that it would contain Dido's most interesting and experimental material...which it doesn't. Basically, "Safe Trip Home" is the same as "No Angel" and "Life for Rent", only with more length and more substantial songs. It follows the same calming and soft pattern of its predecessors, but this time Dido maintains a steady focus, and adds some much-needed texture to its eleven tracks. It's a little less focused on electronics, and instead relies on heavy string passages and organic percussion effects. Her silky voice gently keeps things moving, while the music gradually gets lusher and more powerful with each spin. Those looking for another "White Flag" will be disappointed, as there's nothing really mainstream or pop-py about "Safe Trip Home". But isn't that what we all need in wasteland of music that is 2008? Dido has never been a "pop" artist, so it's no big shock to not hear her not use any modern trends. No, she holds on to her signature style, and this time uses every one of her talents as both a singer and songwriter. "Don't Believe in Love" is a sturdy and sleek opener, while "Us 2 Little Gods" reworks the melody of "Thank You" very nicely, and it even strengthens its foundation. Every song on "Safe Trip Home" retains an impenetrable melodic structure, while also offering plenty of those who don't find the mainstream of the 2000s so appetizing. This is by far Dido's strongest album, with her best and most accomplished music. Half way through, it sucks you into its sway, and when the nine-minute closer "Northern Skies" finally comes to an end, you're left with nothing but satisfaction. This is music that's quietly powerful, music that Dido always strove for but never quite achieved, it's even seductive.
Recommended Tracks in Bold:
1. Don’t
Believe in Love 2. Quiet Times 3.
Never Want to Say it’s Love
4. Grafton Street 5. It Comes and it Goes 6. Look No Further
7. Us
2 Little Gods 8. The Day Before
the Day 9. Let’s Do the Things We
Normally Do
10. Burnin Love 11. Northern
Skies
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