Maria Mena

this is my favorite album of hers, i was introduced to maria mena when she released "you're the only one" in u.s. and this is a mature album of hers compared to her past albums... and she is very honest and open in this album that tells about her past...

like others do... i will rate the songs

Power Trip Ballad 10/10

Belly Up 9.5/10

All This Time (Pick-Me-Up Song) 9.5/10

Cause and Effect 10/10

I'm On Your Side 8/10

Eyesore 10/10

Where Were You 8.5/10

I'm In Love 9/10

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy 10/10

I was Made for Loving You 7.5/10

Dear 9.5/10

Maria Mena has become one of my favorite singers in a very short time. I own all of her previous releases and they are all catchy, hook-filled and instantly likable. I wish I could say the same for this release. On Cause and Effect, Maria has abandoned her long-time collaborator Arvid Solvang, who apparently was a big part of the sound on her other albums. I hate to use the word boring but I can't avoid it. Still, I will be looking forward to her next release and hoping for a return to form; and I highly recommend Apparently Unaffected, White Turns Blue, Mellow, and Another Phase. If you are new to Maria, start with any of those.

First off let me say that I love Maria Mena, I think her music is highly overlooked. I would have given this album a five, but it's taking me a minute to get used to it. What I'm used to hearing from her is big, open instrument filled choruses that sound very epic. And in this particular album she's stripped herself down to just a piano for most of the songs. Don't get me wrong, I think the songs are gorgeous, they're just not par for the course. Eventually I know I'll love it, but right now I'm just warming up to it.

This album is very relaxed.If only in it's stylistic approach. the production is sparse..mostly it's her and piano. And i like that about her album. The content of the lyrics is very depressing and self-loathing. She's been through a lot thanx to her parents and she's not really over it.
Her writing is very clever and fearless, She'll say what you're thinking but too afraid to say.
The songs themselves, the melodies are so good on this album and memorable. All in all it's a melancholy but extremely personal and honest album from Maria.

So I have been waiting for a cd to come along that was worthy of me taking my time to review it. I have finally found it. This cd is by my favorite artist of all time her name is Maria Mena she is a talented singer/songwriter for Oslo, Norway. Today September, 16th 2008 she released her fifth studio album entitled "Cause and Effect" in Norway and most of western Europe. I have been listening to the songs very intensely for the past few days trying to get the message she was trying to send through here lyrics. She has stated that this album is about her childhood and the emotions and things she felt are beautifully expressed through her genius lyrics. She is very well known for her chatty singing and beautiful range, she had one single released in the United States entitled "You Are The Only One" it was this song that introduced me to this wonderful artist. Now that we know some background about her lets begin...

Track 1- Power Trip Ballad: 8.5/10

Lets just say that this album starts out with a bang! Power Trip Ballad starts out with commanding marching drums rolling in, then a simple piano note starts chiming followed by Maria's familiar soothing voice. What I got from this song was it was almost a rant against all of the people in her past that have double-crossed her or done her wrong. Even though in different parts of the song she is singing about different people i.e. her lover, father etc, she always follows with the chorus line "You will always be bitter saddest part of me." It seems like she is saying this to all the people in her life that have mistreated her. About halfway through the song she is joined in the chorus by a children's choir and the effect that has on the song is tremendous. It make it very powerful to listen to. An awesome opening song for her cd.

Track 2. - Belly Up: 9/10

This song was her first single released off of "Cause and Effect" and was hugely popular and played heavily on the radios in Europe from what I've heard. The lyrics in this song are more simple than in the other songs but the message is something that I can very much relate to. She talks about her relationship has run it's course and there isn't much that either can do about it. She still has feelings for this guy, but they both lie "belly up" vulnerable and useless to do anything. I really love the wind instrument in the background of the song that creates the melody for her. This was a good choice to release on the airs to promote the album, it is catchy and easy to learn the lyrics. That is something that is very important for popular songs in my opinion.

Track 3 - All This Time (Pick Me Up Song): 10/10

This is her second single of the album but the first music video to be made for it. This song sounds like she is singing to herself in the past, and looking back on things and seeing them from a different perspective. She starts about by calling 'herself' a "self-destructive little girl", looking back on things she realizes how lucky she truly is saying:

"Think all the mean girls that pulled your hair, are barefoot now and pregnant there, and you write pop songs, and get to travel around the world."

It speaks to me, because when she says "All this time you have had it in you, you just sometimes need a push." I look at things now compared to how it was. I really love this song, and when I am depressed it lifts my spirits. It makes me feel warm and happy.

Track 4 - Cause And Effect: 7.5/10

This song is probably one of the hardest to emotionally digest when you really listen to the lyrics. I am glad she named her album after this song, that phrase has a lot of meaning and depth, and being one of the more emotionally raw & honest songs it fits nicely as the tile. It is a more upbeat song but it has a touch of anger to it. She talks about her mother a lot in this song, and states "I'll tell you the cause if you handle the effect." She sings about the pain she went through having a bad body image when she a young 8 year old girl, she even got to the point of bulimia. This is a very sarcastic song, and I believe this is how she expresses these feelings to better deal with them rather than in a slow song. The catchy guitar notes and beat make it really easy to listen to and enjoy, and when singing about something as serious as this I believe it should be as easy to listen to as possible.

Track 5 - I'm On Your Side: 8/10

This is a very delicate pretty song, it is a nice song to lead you out of the previous song Cause And Effect. She sings in a more comforting relaxing tone, that accompanied with the sweet violins and string instruments in the background truly makes this song a pleasure to hear. She talk about how even though her relationship with her "special someone"isn't perfect, and arguments arise. She is always one his side, and will always be there. She also sings that the good times wouldn't be as good without the bad ones too.

Track 6 - Eyesore: 10/10

This song is by far my favorite song on the album, it has a hint of Russian folk music carrying the song along. This song is more a confession song to me, instead of talking about bad things that people have done to her, she takes the other approach and refers to herself as an "Eyesore" saying:

"I will not uncover this confining skin, that I so reluctantly live in."

Saying that she isn't perfect and has been ashamed of her actions, and things she has done. Her vocals a showcased so beautifully in this song that the first time I heard it backed up by another powerful orchestra it gave me the chills. I get choked up listening to this song nearly everytime.

Track 7 - Where Were You: 7/10

This song reminds me more of her older music because it has some of her cute chatiness in it, and doesn't rely on the vocals to carry the song. It is more of a story with nice analogies and an ironic "Where were you?" after describing feelings from difficult parts of her life.

"If I had known you then, the outcome would have been better"

This song is adorable, and makes me wish that I had someone to say that to, and really actually mean it. This song I like more every time I hear it.

Track 8 - I'm In Love: 6/10

This song demonstrates what I have heard other people say, and sort of describes the way I feel after someone after getting to know them really well which is: "Young people around my age fall in and out of love at a faster rate than older people do.

"I'm in love again, again, again. You may call me tomorrow my friend."

It doesn't take me long before I get emotionally attached to someone. This song is sweet and always makes me smile when I sings the chorus.

Track 9 - Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: 6.5/10

I have a love-hate relationship with this song. It is very powerful and dark song, that makes me angry as compared to the rest of the songs that usually instill good feelings. Just click on the name of her album near the top of my post and listen to the song yourself. It is very dark and blunt, with depressing string progressions and a lot of cellos in the background. It makes me feel "cold" inside to be describe it.

Track 10 - Dear...: 9.5/10

This is a nice relaxing song to end of the album, it talks about a dear friend of Maria's and how even though they had a lot in common

"We were never meant to be lovers, we just mirrored each others self-destructiveness."

It is a thank you song for always being there when she needed them, and putting up with all of her crap, and essentially saving her life. This song is very comforting to listen to and I am very happy on where they chose it to be, if it had been anywhere else on the album I don't believe it would've had the same effect.

~*~
I only have a few negative things to say about this album, and the one thing is that all the songs are slow and lingering for the most part. I want to hear a bigger variety of songs come on her next album. It was highly lacking in my favorite kind of upbeat jumpy loud songs that I have heard her sing before. I have to be in the right mood to listen to most of this album, and really appreciate it.

I think that she has grown a lot as an artist as she had moved from album to album, and this one reaffirms my belief that she has matured a lot to share this much emotion with the world. This cd is so packed full of raw feelings that it might be hard to listen to for some, but I recommend that you all go to her myspace and listen to it, or go to Amazon and pick up a copy for yourself. You won't be disappointed. Overall I give this cd an 8.5/10.

White Turns Blue is one of my favorite albums ever. Why? Simply because it has great tunes with relatable, though not predictable, lyrics. I personally disagree with the [...] reviewer when she said that the lyrics were simplistic. They go above and beyond most typical pop lyrics! The most relatable is song is "Just A Little Bit". On this track, Maria wishes she could be "just a little bit wiser/stronger/prettier." All of the songs on the album are really great, but my personal favorite is "Your Glasses" because of it's amazing chorus. "Lose Control" is an excellent jazzy piece as well. This is a must buy!

Why is this girl not more famous? She has a beautiful voice, and I love her lyrics. I wish she would come out with a new album. I found this album while surfing through amazon, and I couldn't be more pleased. She kind of reminds me of the Jewel's OLDER work.

I stumbled upon this album looking at those pesky little recommendations on the side of the Amazon pages, and I was delighted to have found this gem. Maria, named for the West Side Story Maria, is a Norwgian chanteuse that has a unique voice that is unexplainable. Her arrangements are catchy and her lyrics, though not shatteringly unique, are effective.

If you are looking for something that is not terribly overplayed in the US but incredibly enjoyable, give this album a listen.

Maria is a great and fantastic singer.I love her voice and with all her talent she could do everything she wants. This time she put her single "You Are The Only One" in the top of the list, and it's not a surprise after u heard this great song. Other songs full of pure energy are " A fell Small Bruises" ( my favourite), "My Lullaby", and "What's Another Day". Great Cd. Buy it!!

i'm always skeptical when it comes to getting new music, especially from young teenage artists, but Maria Mena is an exception to this rule. Her debut album is quite impressive. The opening track "you're the only one" is unique - so unique that i gradually liked it. "Just A little bit" - a song about being the best you can be. "Blame It On Me" is a song about taking the fall. "Take You With Me" & "Your Glasses" are edgier rock tracks that really shows off her voice. "A Few Small Bruises" closes the album with what seems like "it's end of the world" theme that alot of teenagers can relate to.

Notable Tracks:
- Just A Little Bit
- Blame It On Me
- Take You With Me
- Your Glasses
- A Few Small Bruises

Maria, Maria, Maria. I've been following her since about...the end of 2003. First picked up White Turns Blue and then when I found out about AU, I had to get it. Oh my gosh! So lovely. Miss You Love, for me atleast, is worth purchasing this album alone. Internal Dialogue is true life story of not just Maria but many others across the globe, so this song definitely is moving. Just Hold Me and Our Battles rock! Lyrically superb. These Shoes and This Bottle of Wine are fun songs to sing aloud and dance too. Maria has done it again. :]

I first heard Maria Mena on internet radio from Amsterdam where she is a hit there in Europe. Great music and voice. Sometimes in America we get sanitized music over our airwaves and don't get exposed to great artists like Maria Mena. She deserves a listen and you will want this CD.

Really Awesome CD both musically and lyrically. Although I really do not like Track 4. All in all a really wonderful cd.

This is one of those albums that you NEVER get sick of... I stumbled across this album on accident and it is just so perfect the way it is. I love the "If You'll Stay in my past" theme. My favorite song is "Our Battles". The angry lyrics
"I will no longer be disciplined by the frustrations of an insecure man" are so moving and have so much meaning. I'd love to hear instrumental or all-piano versions of these songs.

This is also a GREAT album to sing along with while driving. Or listen to while your sleeping.

Such a shame this isn't released in the USA... also a shame that she will not be touring the USA... I could see her get a huge following.

Also check out: Charlotte Martin!!!

My favorite album by ANYONE in 2005 (I got a copy from Germany, before it was released here...some tracks from the internet, too). Someone ticked Maria off between her previous album and this one. She's all grown up now, and not going to take it anymore. The girl is brilliant, and needs a ton of airplay and video exposure in the U.S.-- why is there NONE? "You're the Only One" is the only video I've seen here, and that was only once, at 2 a.m., but enough to hook me into this tremendous artist's world. I can't wait for more!
Note: She sings on a rap-ish band's terrific track called "Everytime"... sorry, but I forget their name. Definitely worth tracking down, however. More more Maria! -Swift/ Marina, CA

White Turns Blue is one of my favorite albums ever. Why? Simply because it has great tunes with relatable, though not predictable, lyrics. I personally disagree with the [...] reviewer when she said that the lyrics were simplistic. They go above and beyond most typical pop lyrics! The most relatable is song is "Just A Little Bit". On this track, Maria wishes she could be "just a little bit wiser/stronger/prettier." All of the songs on the album are really great, but my personal favorite is "Your Glasses" because of it's amazing chorus. "Lose Control" is an excellent jazzy piece as well. This is a must buy!

Why is this girl not more famous? She has a beautiful voice, and I love her lyrics. I wish she would come out with a new album. I found this album while surfing through amazon, and I couldn't be more pleased. She kind of reminds me of the Jewel's OLDER work.

I stumbled upon this album looking at those pesky little recommendations on the side of the Amazon pages, and I was delighted to have found this gem. Maria, named for the West Side Story Maria, is a Norwgian chanteuse that has a unique voice that is unexplainable. Her arrangements are catchy and her lyrics, though not shatteringly unique, are effective.

If you are looking for something that is not terribly overplayed in the US but incredibly enjoyable, give this album a listen.

Maria is a great and fantastic singer.I love her voice and with all her talent she could do everything she wants. This time she put her single "You Are The Only One" in the top of the list, and it's not a surprise after u heard this great song. Other songs full of pure energy are " A fell Small Bruises" ( my favourite), "My Lullaby", and "What's Another Day". Great Cd. Buy it!!

i'm always skeptical when it comes to getting new music, especially from young teenage artists, but Maria Mena is an exception to this rule. Her debut album is quite impressive. The opening track "you're the only one" is unique - so unique that i gradually liked it. "Just A little bit" - a song about being the best you can be. "Blame It On Me" is a song about taking the fall. "Take You With Me" & "Your Glasses" are edgier rock tracks that really shows off her voice. "A Few Small Bruises" closes the album with what seems like "it's end of the world" theme that alot of teenagers can relate to.

Notable Tracks:
- Just A Little Bit
- Blame It On Me
- Take You With Me
- Your Glasses
- A Few Small Bruises

Maria, Maria, Maria. I've been following her since about...the end of 2003. First picked up White Turns Blue and then when I found out about AU, I had to get it. Oh my gosh! So lovely. Miss You Love, for me atleast, is worth purchasing this album alone. Internal Dialogue is true life story of not just Maria but many others across the globe, so this song definitely is moving. Just Hold Me and Our Battles rock! Lyrically superb. These Shoes and This Bottle of Wine are fun songs to sing aloud and dance too. Maria has done it again. :]

I first heard Maria Mena on internet radio from Amsterdam where she is a hit there in Europe. Great music and voice. Sometimes in America we get sanitized music over our airwaves and don't get exposed to great artists like Maria Mena. She deserves a listen and you will want this CD.

Really Awesome CD both musically and lyrically. Although I really do not like Track 4. All in all a really wonderful cd.

This is one of those albums that you NEVER get sick of... I stumbled across this album on accident and it is just so perfect the way it is. I love the "If You'll Stay in my past" theme. My favorite song is "Our Battles". The angry lyrics
"I will no longer be disciplined by the frustrations of an insecure man" are so moving and have so much meaning. I'd love to hear instrumental or all-piano versions of these songs.

This is also a GREAT album to sing along with while driving. Or listen to while your sleeping.

Such a shame this isn't released in the USA... also a shame that she will not be touring the USA... I could see her get a huge following.

Also check out: Charlotte Martin!!!

My favorite album by ANYONE in 2005 (I got a copy from Germany, before it was released here...some tracks from the internet, too). Someone ticked Maria off between her previous album and this one. She's all grown up now, and not going to take it anymore. The girl is brilliant, and needs a ton of airplay and video exposure in the U.S.-- why is there NONE? "You're the Only One" is the only video I've seen here, and that was only once, at 2 a.m., but enough to hook me into this tremendous artist's world. I can't wait for more!
Note: She sings on a rap-ish band's terrific track called "Everytime"... sorry, but I forget their name. Definitely worth tracking down, however. More more Maria! -Swift/ Marina, CA