Indigo Girls Album: “All That We Let In”

Let me start by saying that I am a big Indigo Girls fan. I have all their CD's. When I first got this one I was really shocked by the cartoon layout of the artwork through the whole album, but it really is quirky and cute. I think it's a nice change and it goes well with the mood of the album itself.

This CD is full of back to basics with the beautiful harmonies we have come to expect from Amy Ray and Emily Saliers. Overall it's upbeat and much more accessible than Come On Now Social or Become You, two CD's that had to grow on many people. I have taken to All That We Let In within the first two listen throughs and I already know that it's going to be in heavy rotation in my stereo in the coming months.

Is there a more devoted legion of fans than Indigo Girls fans? We buy everything sight unseen (and sound unheard), we see them every chance we get, we light up when we talk about them, we speak reverently even about their misfires. All this for a folk duo with radically different styles and voices.

We are good to them, though, because they're so good to us. The Indigo Girls, through all their various experimentations and forays into fields that were probably best left unplowed, have never been inaccessable, and have never put anything less than 100% of their souls into their music. Check out "1200 Curfews," for example, for a loaded live album that is so generous and packed with great stuff that it feels fresh with every listen.

"All that We let In" is their most cohesive album in years. For a while, Indigo Girls albums and projects were starting to feel like "Emily vs. Amy" - only the occasional harmony reminded us that these two were a band, not a pair of soloists. But now they feel together, united, even friendlier to each other. Even better, the music is joyful and free. It sounds like Amy and Emily (isn't it great how we all feel like we know them personally?) turned their attention away from proving they could punk out (Amy) or write the perfectly-crafted love song (Emily), and just wrote and sang great music.

"All that We Let In" has everything that we love - gorgeous harmonies & melodies, nifty vocal interplay (the title song, especially), fun and occasionally self-effacing lyrics, and that righteous blend of anger and love that they share with the best revolutionary musicians. Listen to these songs and marvel at their progress as writers - could Amy have come up with anything as wonderfully direct and poppy as "Heartache for Everyone" 15 years ago? Could Emily blend a love song with environmental issues as slyly? Each song is its own little treasure, a gift back to their fans.

It's not a perfect album, I guess. The centerpiece "Tether" rocks when it should ROCK, and true to form, their endearing faults - Amy's arcane lyrics, Emily's mixed metaphors - occasionally take center stage. But we love them for that, too. Thanks again, Indigo Girls! See you on tour!

Indigo Girls have always released groundbreaking material within their fifteen-year career. "All That We Let In" is no exception. They remain one of the few modern-day folk artists that have impacted listeners as heavily as those in the old days. Their simple, yet powerful melodies are only part of what makes this album great. Occasionally, they add a touch of pop or rock in their folk sound. Such variety gives the album the added flare that makes multiple listens more enjoyable. The overall theme clearly states their true passion for music. Knowing that it's not about the fame makes their art more credible.

Their guitar sounds stay strong throughout every song, keeping the signature sound that fans love intact. It blends perfectly with their vocal harmonies, which are always expressive, and the remaining instruments. Their upbeat songs are hardhitting but not raunchy while their ballads are calming. The amazing vocal arrangements, solo and duet parts, places them at a higher standing. Their poetic lyrics remain wonderful as meaningful. Listeners can feel the depth in their performances to these words. Such strong performance keep them on top where they've always been, namely their hit single "Perfect World".

"All That We Let In" is a great album for any Indigo Girls and/ or folk music fan. Those looking for true quality music will be very pleased with this album.

a remarkable achievement in music. This disc is filled with powerful and emotional songs that truly come to life in a live setting.

These girls have worked hard through the years to constantly deliver their uniquely lovely and enduring music to those who will listen.

They've become masters of the genre that they created.

Excellent CD. Some of the songs don't really hit you the first time you listen to them, but once you hear them a few times and know the words, you're hooked. If you like the Indigo Girls, you won't be dissapointed (as if you ever are by them).

"All That We Let In" is such a beautiful song, the lyrics are so beautiful, it just sweeps you in. So is Cordova, although on a more somber note. Dairy Queen is such an uplifting view of a not so happy situation (end of relationship). I can go on and on. Get this CD, put it in your car and take a long drive.