My thoughts are always that this is an album that I want to enjoy much, much more than I do. I think it’s mainly the arranging and the fact that Karen’s work leads, for the most part, are rather weak. The production sounds limp and the arrangements sound sterile somehow, empty for songs that need more filling and texture to them. It’s understandable that for a rough work lead Karen might not be putting much into her vocal that she would later, but if some songs on Lovelines are work leads than they are much more committed ones (Does anyone know anything about that?).
Truthfully the three songs on VOTH that contain great vocal performances are the ones that are arranged and produced the best; Make Believe (I’m in the tiny minority that much prefers Richard’s version with this new vocal), Ordinary Fool (otherworldly vocal with a precise, lush, yet minimalist and every atmospheric arrangement), and Look To Your Dreams (goes right to my soul, personally and in the context of Karen’s life, a majestic vocal and with gorgeous musical framing. That piano postlude at the end says everything, likely added after her passing).
Truthfully the three songs on VOTH that contain great vocal performances are the ones that are arranged and produced the best; Make Believe (I’m in the tiny minority that much prefers Richard’s version with this new vocal), Ordinary Fool (otherworldly vocal with a precise, lush, yet minimalist and every atmospheric arrangement), and Look To Your Dreams (goes right to my soul, personally and in the context of Karen’s life, a majestic vocal and with gorgeous musical framing. That piano postlude at the end says everything, likely added after her passing).