Fefe Dobson (by Fefe Dobson, Rock)

On FEFE DOBSON, Ms. Dobson's eponymous CD, you find an example of terrific artist-producer chemistry. Jay Levine knows how to bring out the best in his artist without taking over; Dobson knows how to let him, without getting lost in the shuffle. The result is a terrific album on which her songs and vocal performances are beautifully produced and arranged. The whole CD seems to glow with a sense of loving fun. For young teens, two "message" songs might provide comfort and support. "Unforgiven" is written to a father who has abandoned his family ("Where were you when I plugged in my first guitar/It's too late for I'm sorry"), "Julia" is a hand extended to a friend who is somehow or other slipping away. But the first track, "Stupid Little Love Song," is the most full-tilt fun, with its quirky lyrics, punk guitar riffs, and rock & roll attitude.

What a delight to peel off the shrink-wrap on a CD, pop it in the CD player, and find a dozen fresh, original, well-performed songs instead of the "top-40 hit plus carelessly chosen filler tracks" we often end up buying. With vocals that run the gamut from little-girl cuteness to punk-powered grit, plus one guitar-fueled musical hook after another, Dobson makes rock & roll integrity look -- and sound -- easy.

Released on: December 9, 2003
Label: Island
Genre: Rock