Indigo Girls Album: “Rites of Passage”

When I was introduced to "Romeo and Juliet" in 97, I was struck. I couldn't believe that I had never heard of the Indigo Girls. I "borrowed" a friend's copy of it and I listened to it over and over and over. You can skip over "Three Hits" unless you really want to hear it. It is good, but not like some of the other songs. Intead, start your Indigo Girls experience with "Galileo". You couldn't possibly be in a bad mood after listening to it. Then, let your eyes water as you think about the person who's touch on your life will never fade when you listen to "Ghost". Sheer emotional brilliance. "Love Will Come to You" is beautiful. Harmonies that can just rip your heart out. The rest of the cd is great, too. Make sure that you prepare for "Airplane", though. It kinda creeps up on you with this freaky-aria-thing. Just get past it...you will be okay. Anyway, buy the cd. You won't regret it.

Once upon a time, Indigo Girls were my favorite band and each word Amy & Emily sang was gospel. I've grown a bit in my musical tastes, and the sun no longer sets around the Girls, but Rites of Passage is the one album that survived my fanaticism. This is, quite simply, beautiful music. The songs range from haunting acoustic ballads to upbeat folk-rockers, but all of them have something to say. If you're going to have only one IG album, make it this one - and not just because you've heard "Galileo" on the local contemporary station. It's well-crafted and musically and lyrically brilliant. Get it!

There was a 8-month period in college where the only time this CD left the player was so that it could be transported to another one.

This is the album that introduced me to the Girls, and I have my best friend to thank for that. I feel it's their best effort from all aspects - production, composition, arrangement, performance, diversity, lyrics...overall, it's one of the best albums of the last 30 years. "Galileo" and "Ghost" are two songs that need never be re-recorded or covered - they are PERFECT they way they are right now! "Virginia Woolf" is amazing in its arrangement and execution, and "Nashville" is one of the few country songs I'm not ashamed to admit liking.

Then, of course, there's the outstanding rock-out of "Chickenman" - just the thing to get people jumping around the fire and banging on objects. I wish the version here was the full one, but hey, we can't have everything!

I can't say that I've enjoyed their latest effort - what is missing is everything that made this album so right. The most outstanding feature here (for me) is the intricate vocal work - what wonderful sounds, what beautiful combinations and movements! The fact that they blend so effortlessly with the instruments serves only as another source of amazement for me.

Just a piece of advice - never listen to a Girls' ballad when you're having troubles of the heart - you'll wind up bawling your eyes out.

Not as consistent as Strange Fire, this is nevertheless the CD I find myself coming back to. Maybe I come back for the incredible cover of Mark Knopfler's "Romeo and Juliet," just as heartfelt as the original (and for those familiar with Knopfler, that's saying much indeed!), true to it in it's fashion but an Indigo Girls song through and through. Maybe it's the songwriting -- check out the ode to Virginia Wolfe, and the simple-and-sweet "Cedar Tree." Maybe it's the historical grounding of the lyrics and the depth of connection Emily and Amy feel for the earth, the past, and the universe, touching everything on this album from the abovementioned Virginia Wolfe to the woodblock age of the sublime "Galileo." Maybe it's the sweet harmony vocals of David Crosby and Jackson Browne on "Let it be Me" and "Galileo;" maybe it's the Roches on "Airplane" and a few other tracks. Maybe it's all of these, and more.

It isn't, I must admit, "Chicken Man" that brings me back. This one is really a song to be played live. Ah well...so many plusses and one minus; can I give this one four-and-three-quarter stars for an almost perfect, fully satisfying disk which stands the test of time and the variances of mood?

This was one of two CD's I had when I went away to college and also probably one of the most played CDs still in my collection. The vocals and the harmonies along with the awesome lyrics typical of the Indigo Girls are all showcased in this CD. My favorite song for awhile was "Joking" and then I loved "Romeo and Juliet", but now it all just reminds me of college and great memories.

If you are looking for one CD to get from the Indigo Girls this one would be a good choice because it has beautiful songs and you can listen to it over and over again.