Margo Rey’s style transcends many different musical genres and brings them all together as a beautiful amalgamation of sounds on her third album, Habit. Born in Mexico and working in the music biz since the age of 11 has helped her really fine tune her voice, and boy, does it show. Her voice is not only full and emotional on each song; she can also switch it up to fit within the different sounds of the music. She is a sort of chameleon of vocals - a very pretty one.
Habit incorporates everything from jazz to pop to bossa nova, a little bit of country twang and a touch of rock ‘n roll.
It always helps when songs are relatable, and title track, “Habit” is one of those songs. The slightly gritty, harmonica-laden song describes two people that aren’t good for each other, but they stay because the act of being together has become a habit. “Let The Rain” is a therapeutic song of sorts with some nice acoustic work. Up until now the pace is pretty calm and steady until “Get Back” comes along with its funky sound and message about blame being a game in which no one wins. Rey makes her voice have a little harder edge on this track, and at times has that pitch that reminds me of Shakira.
It’s obvious that if there was inspiration for this album, it included some betrayal or at least love lost. “Saturn Returns” and “You’ll Be Coming Back” are a little too repetitive for my taste, but the latter is repetitive, I’d assume, to get across the threatening nature. The last track, “She’s Not There,” is a remake of 60’s British pop band The Zombies’ single. It has that 60’s vibe while still showing Margo Rey’s flair.
Overall, Habit is a great album. It is a musical buffet, one spiced with an abundance of smooth melodies, funky beats, and lush vocals. It manages to encompass a variety of genres with ease and grace, and is certainly a disc for anyone’s collection.
Key Tracks: Habit, Get Back, Pla$tic Karma
October 10, 2012
