I liked Plumb's first (self-titled) album. It had a sound not unlike the band Garbage, and it had enough special effects and synthesized surprises to keep me listening. I saw them on tour with Jars of Clay in early '98, and while I really enjoyed it, I saw a lot of potential for the band to become a really top-notch act. Sure, the debut Plumb was a little forgettable in places, but it left me anticipating hearing more as the band matured.
That being said, candycoatedwaterdrops, the follow-up release, leaves me rather disappointed. Though lead singer Tiffany Arbuckle's vocals are as good as ever, most of this album has more of an alterna-pop sound to it. Some of the electronic goodies remain, but they take a back seat to a more, say, Rebecca St. James-ish sound. Plumb's new sound is a lot more straightforward and predictable. Much of the album is extremely radio-friendly, and I'm sure several songs will chart well in the Christian market.
The album does have its moments; "Late Great Planet Earth" is a magical song reminiscent of first album material, and "Drugstore Jesus" is an excellent song. The title track, featuring an almost country sound, is definitely one of the album's strongest cuts. Also, many of the lyrics, much more up front than the original Plumb, are very well-written. I have a feeling that this album, once a key single or two is released and put in heavy rotation across the country, is going to be a great success. It's a very accessible album, and those who may have not been able to appreciate the complex sounds found in the debut will enjoy candycoatedwaterdrops more (and probably cause it to sell more than Plumb).
Overall, it's not a bad album, but I personally found it, in a word, disappointing. Stars: 2.5 musically, 3.5 lyrically.
3/5
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #77Reviewed by Amanda NelsonPlumb's new album has a warm and wonderful airy quality. The vocal performance is also top notch. The title song, "Candy Coated Water Drops," is a beautiful song lyrically and musically. A little girl opens the song "Here With Me," by singing "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands." The contrast of the little girl is very effective, because "Here With Me" is one of the more intense songs on the…7ball #24Reviewed by Brian Quincy NewcombWith its sophomore effort, Plumb portends to reveal an organic modern rock unit in the process of growth and self-definition. The five-piece band fronted by vocalist Tiffany Arbuckle has undergone two personnel changes since its debut, and through that has honed a smoothly crafted pop sound. But candycoatedwaterdrops sounds more like a singer/producer record shaped specifically with contemporary…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Michial FarmerPlumb's self-titled 1997 debut record was a wonderful collection of dark alternative anthems, dipped in moody guitars and synthesizers. Unfortunately, their latest effort, candycoatedwaterdrops, could serve as a definition for the term "sophomore slump." The album starts out well enough with the stunning "Late Great Planet Earth," complete with the London Symphony Orchestra's string section…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinPlumb's second album is more of a slight slide than a certified sophomore slump: a mixed bag of confections where most songs surprise while others are served too sticky sweet, straight from the factory of CCM schlock. Tiffany Arbuckle's indistinct vocals float pleasantly above these tracks, as candycoatedwaterdrops steers further away from Plumb's original brand of eclectic alterna-trip-hop and…Similar sounding releases
2001Natalie ImbrugliaWhite Lilies Island
1998Rebecca St. JamesPray
1999Kendall PayneJordan's Sister
1998Considering LilyThe Pieces Fit
2005Tom WehrleRoom to Dream
1998Sarah MasenCarry Us Through
