I was very excited to get my hands on Conchita‘s eponymous debut album, but soon my excitement turned to disappointment. As an outspoken fan of the bearded lady — I even grew a beard in her honour during my stay in Vienna — I wanted to get an insight into the amazing person that is the Eurovision 2014 winner, but what I got was a collection of more of the same that she’d gotten me used to. Which is okay, but I had hoped for so much more.
Just as the physical CD has a long-haired Conchita on the cover and the inside photos show her mainly with short hair, I got the feeling that I didn’t get what I bargained for. In our interview with her, Conchita herself admits that she did not want to do an album to appease her producers, but an album full of songs that she’d like to listen to. Basically what we get is an insight into her musical taste — but not into Conchita herself.
She does say at some point that “there is the Cher song and the Celine Dion song and the Shirley Bassey song,” etc. Yes, “Firestorm” is an obvious nod to Cher and is a floor-stomping disco anthem. And yes, it’s amazing and perfectly produced and it sounds like it’s been lifted from one of Cher’s better albums. But therein lies the problem: almost the entire album sounds like a collection of covers and tributes to other singers rather than an introduction to Conchita herself. It’s as if the Queen of Austria is too shy to show her own face and has chosen to put on several masks throughout the record. This also makes Conchita very uneven.
And yes, the album is a bit heavy on inspirational songs that speak of defeating your demons either inside or outside and standing up straight – or, erm, gay. From “You Are Unstoppable” (my personal favourite) to “Heroes” and “Rise Like a Phoenix”, most of Conchita’s songs seem to be LGBT anthems, which is alright of course, but we would have liked to hear something new from Conchita on her debut album. It all gets a bit repetitive after a while.
The one exception is “Pure”, a gorgeous ballad that shows us a glimpse into Conchita’s soul and indeed perhaps even what it might mean to be Thomas Neuwirth, the man behind the bearded lady. The lyrics go, “I’m walking past windows / Reflections of someone like me / But I don’t recognize what I see.” They’re utterly beautiful and very personal and this is the stuff that I had hoped Conchita would be made of, but alas, it’s just one song.
All this points to the process that lead to making the record: Conchita received 300 tracks to choose from, and most of the ones she selected do not represent her person, but her persona. If Conchita were a songwriter, perhaps then we’d be getting an insight into her soul, but until then we have to settle for a gilded façade. Ironically, on the last song on the album, “Other Side of Me,” the singer declares, “I just wanted you to know the other side of me / I wanna show you what I’m made of / You’re gonna see where I’m coming from,” but I’m afraid she failed.
All in all, if y’all want to hear more of the same that Conchita has gotten you used to ever since she released “That’s What I Am”, her debut album is perfect for you. It’s brilliantly produced and you will have a blast putting “Firestorm” on and dancing like nobody’s watching. Not to mention enjoying her fantastic voice throughout, perhaps the real gem of the record. But if you wanted more, if you hoped to hear something new from the Queen of Austria or if you wanted to get to know her better, I’m afraid that Conchita won’t help much.
Score: 2.5/5
i think Conchita have a life after Eurovision defently pride events and also the drag show cabarets and selling albums is not the only important thing in life for Conchita
Kain, thank you <3 One more thing, about the release time of the album. Maybe it bugs eurovision fans that the album wasn't released in connection with ESC but I don't see this as a problem. Instead, I think it shows that she takes her work seriously and is not a fad with something quickly put together. Also it shows that she wants a career outside the ESC bubble, so it is irrelevant to compare which esc winner is faster in releasing new material. This isn't about Eurovision anymore you know. She already has an independent career as a unique… Read more »
I think the album is amazing. Maybe all the songs are not perfect but she is certainly not a one hit wonder. This album proves it. So many good and different songs. And for me these songs are not LGBT-anthems. All the people have same feelings and that is why I like the lyricks so much. This album is beautiful and proves that Conchita is talented artist and her voice is amazing.
It say such much about the quality in fact that Conchita not have put his heart in the music work (and you can hear it on the album) being instead on red carpets and pride events (which the last is what I guess is the only scene from now Conchita will stage) also it is a quality in form of status of an artist from yesterday (as Conchita) or a artist of today (like Mans Zelmerlow this years winner of Eurovision 2015) so the arguments most of the comments write is not stupid I think. Mans will sell a lot… Read more »
So does it say anything about quality the fact that it is last year’s winner’s album. No, it doesn’t. In fact, that has nothing to do with the songs being good or bad. It’s a weak and stupid argument, but people just search for anything to critizise. (I’m sure the album would have been crap if it had been put together very quick in one month right after the victory). It’s so good we don’t care about so-called experts: the album went already platinum and is Top 10 in many countries. If you don’t like it, don’t listen to it.
i think it is really good when journalists, experts say what they really think. As Conchita say all shall be as they want. I don’t think the album is fantastic either and in fact an album from last year’s winner. I hope for this years Eurovision winner Mans album is something much better
And by way: How silly is it to say “it’s too late”? It definitely was worth the wait. It’s never too late. I prefer to wait for something good than have something badly done.
Well, in Spain we call that “criticar por criticar”. It’s just unbelievable, but sadly “journalists” and “experts” work like that: “let’s just say how bad everything is, we know everything better”. Conchita’s album is FANTASTIC. I keep listening to it on repeat mode. Great songwriting, fantastic production, amazing voice. My favorites (in that order) are: 1. Colours of Your Love (gets the party going) 2. Out of Body Experience (sensual and sexy) 3. Where Have All the Good men gone (so much fun) 4. Somebody to Love (simply amazing) 5. Put That Fire Out (so different) And of course the… Read more »
All did not unlike the album
it’s good all not think it is bad !
I do! My rating is 2,0 of 10 and agree it is 1 year since Conchita won (2014) and therefor a year too late
I looking forward for this years Swedish winner album next week
with Mans
You can’t please everyone so you may as well please yourself. That’s what Conchita has done. She is a true artist & Conchita said each of the songs means a lot to her.
The album is brilliant. I am listening to it now.
I think this review is very good. The author say in the article I think what as I see it, very many agree with, the album is not any special. It is ok, nothing more Then Conchita is not the big artist, as his / her team will thought he / she are, a ESC winner but nothing more. Absolutely not a music working artist and with a team who not have any experience in music business The album is one year late, I think all agree with. Conchita is a one hit wonder and have has his / her… Read more »
The problem of the author of this album criticism with the result 2.5 / 5 points is called “expectations”. He had great expectations for “Conchita” and was disappointed. I’m sorry for him, because without disappointed expectations in the background the album “Conchita” is just wonderful. Varied, catchy pop music with a message. I had no expectations and I appreciate each of these well-produced songs and especially the richness of Conchita’s voice.
I agree she needs great songs more like Rise Like a Phoenix to be a superstar but the album is good. As an artist she can please herself what she releases and she is very capable of performing all genres so why not showcase them! What irritates me is bloggers who have never “done” it themselves criticising those who do! If you know best then get out there and “do” it, you will find out how hard it is! Congratulations Conchita for doing your own thing! xxxx
I simply love that album. There are songs for a lot of different moods. My absolute favourite is “Pure”. We are talking about a young person here. She still has to find her own style. There is nothing wrong with following your instincts. And that’s what she did. She choose what she likes to hear and the lyrics obviously touch something in her, or else she wouldn’t have picked them. I wonder – does the author really know her well enough to have the ability to say stuff like “… most of the ones she selected do not represent her… Read more »
Thank you, Conchita Fans Finland / Niina! <3 Love your words!
I have to disagree. I absolutely love it. There are one or two songs, that I don’t really like, but apart from them, they’re amazing.
Why did Wiwibloggs change the article from ”disappointed” to ”wants more” after post it?
I think the review is right and seams that many agree with it
I totally dont get this review as Concihata’s album is far superior to any ESC winners album bu far. It is diverse and it wins you over becurse of the very fact the artist is being authentic. Not only that it breaking free of the mold that was established with ‘Rise like a Phonix’ and building on the aritsts talents. Its not 100% my taste, but its made me suit up and listen and reconise Conchita as an independent and growing artist and fot that reason i support the album and cant wait for more. this album gets 10/10 from… Read more »
Sorry correct
it should be
A good review
Hope Wiwibloggs write a review of the winner Mans new album
Looking forward for this
Hope it comes
A good review
Hope Wiwibloggs read a review of the winner Mans new album
Looking forward for this
Hope it comes
A good review
Hope Wiwibloggs read a review of the winner Mans new album
Looking forward for this
Hope it comes
I love your work Wiwibloggs but sorry I don’t get this review. I really don’t think it’s “That’s what I am” all over again, far from it. Conchita has developed and grown miles as an artist since those days so it really does sound quite unfair. Also, I’m confused: you say the album is “uneven” but then again doesn’t show anything new – well I think it really does with surprising genres and new styles. (Somebody to love hellooo, sexy as hell and she’s never done that before in a song. And what about all those oriental sounds combined with… Read more »
Just waited for Conchita team comments LOL
As always they high her / him to the skies no ones done
LOL No chance Conchita should won this year with some of this songs
(and no other either)
Mans from Sweden is a artist a musician and have a proffesional team behind him
working with music and a album next week
That´s a big different
I think the album is not that bad. Positive surprise from Conchita 🙂
I think the album is good, I know it not as good as albums by Celine but by today standards it’s great, compering it to other albums by today popular singers like Taylor swift or Ellie Goulding, to me it just as good or better as any album on the charts currently!
Conchita could even win with the ‘Building Bridges’ song. All he need is to not shave his beard.
Conchita could have won this year again with You Are Unstoppable. A great song, much stronger than Heroes….
I agree with Otna and Lorena; Colours of Your Love is my favourite song as well.
@123boring – It’s coming! Stay tuned 🙂
I hope you’ll create a review for Elina Born’s new album!! Please! I really love it! 🙂
Poor little sasuage!
Homegirl’s next album will be amazing considering what we’re given was a result of her over-enjoying her win. Now, it’s all focus and possible concerts so she’ll give us her global standard.
I’m just glad the WHOLE global hasn’t caught on to her rather than the album yet.
Poor little sasuage!
Homegirl’s next album will be amazing considering what we’re given was a result of her over-enjoying her win. Now, it’s all focus and possible concerts so she’ll give us her global standard.
I’m just glad the WHOLE global has caught on to her rather than the album yet.
Conchita Wurst has done a lot for tolerance, or let me say it in another better “Acceptance” to a test and made essential moves to overcome prejudices. But in my opinion her dreams of world career will not take place as pop star. Because Conchita is primarily a nice „Celebrity “, who can also sing very well. Her domain are glamorous languishing songs – and those are hardly to be found in the present Popcharts, because the European radio formats do not play them. „Rise Like A Phoenix “landed directly after the Songcontest victory in the hit parades, but just… Read more »
Other side of me is better than Rise like a phoenix I think
but as so many declaire in comments about Conchita in a year the album should been done working on instead of all other things Conchita does instead like pride events and red carpet visits
If Conchita had listen to her his fans release the album at ESC 2014 she he has sold records anyway as Mans Zelmerlov did now! But now too late
It is o n e year too late release !
Her album is very descent 4 a debut cd of a Vision’s Star Winner indeed but her songs could be even better…I was not that impressed by how many of the album’s songs..
But i do not deny that it is well produced cool album..
I just was expecting more by Conchita..
Congratulations to Conchita that she reached the #1 spot in Austria’s charts & her album was certified already platinum! <3 😀
Her next 4th single called *FireStorm* will be released on 18 June <3 🙂
I thought the song she performed at the final in Vienna was quite catchy, I think it was firestorm, very professional and well-produced and the performance was really good. But yeah, most of Conchita’s songs are LGBT anthems, but realistically, that’s what she stands for and is the main reason she won Eurovision. Rise Like A Phoenix and Firestorm are her best songs I think, from what I have heard anyways…have to listen to the full album. She needs to try new things now I think, her follow-up album, if there is one, should focus on Conchita Wurst and not… Read more »
@Otna
Colours of Your Love is one of my fav. song too
I was expecting something better too but I have to admit that it’s a good album.
I love all the songs on the album (and I rarely get that with any album). You Are Unstoppable and Colours of Your Love are my favourites, but I love every track on there.
Rise Like A Phoenix is still the best.