Tegan and Sara Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
Although identical twin sisters Tegan and Sara Quin first appeared in the music scene in the late '90s playing the kind of folk-rock and folk-punk more associated with other Lilith Fair (in which they participated) artists of the time, by the time 2007 rolled around they had moved into much poppier territory. It was a progression, to be sure, from This Business of Art to their fourth Vapor full-length -- one that can be heard in the time spent on production, the louder guitars -- but that still may not prepare listeners for The Con. Produced by Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla, the album is full of quirky, Aqueduct-like keyboards, punchy bass from Weezer's Matt Sharp and AFI's Hunter Burgan, and even some guitar help from Kaki King that stretch and shove their way into the spaces between Tegan and Sara's hook-driven melodies and clean harmonies, more complex than anything they've done before. Though each sister writes and sings lead on seven tracks, it is Sara especially who writes the more intricate pieces ("Relief Next to Me," "Like O, Like H"), showing a more adult songwriter, one who has matured since her first work came out, while Tegan draws more from simpler emo and pop-punk arrangements ("Nineteen," "Hop a Plane"), her songs more straightforward, both compositionally and lyrically, than her sister's. But this isn't to say that there's a kind of disparity or harsh contrast on The Con. Much like the duo's voices, which share a timbre, a clear relationship, even if their actual tonality differs, the songs on the album complement each other, play off the other's strengths, and make the record very much an entity instead of simply a collection of tracks, setting it off as an impressive step forward in their already commendable discography. ~ Marisa Brown, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Tegan and Sara's third album, So Jealous, is by far their most ambitious and liveliest record, opening up their punk-folk sound with a heavy dose of new wave sensibility and pop hooks. They started moving in this direction on their previous album, but here they dive headfirst into slick, shiny surfaces, insistent synths, clean guitars, and bright, playful melodies that sound sunny even in minor keys. This musical revamp doesn't betray their nervy emotionalism. Instead, it focuses them, giving their music style and flair that focuses them while making the duo more accessible. And So Jealous is indeed the Tegan and Sara album that could play to a wider audience, but the group remains an acquired taste for one reason: their thin, squeaky voices and close harmonies can be grating to the uninitiated. Nevertheless, for those who have acquired that taste, So Jealous is the most satisfying album Tegan and Sara have yet made. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Tegan and Sara's If It Was You can quickly be summed up by using a few terms from music land that everyone should be familiar with: Lilith Fair, Alanis Morissette, power pop, and hooks. Combine all the ideas and you have Tegan and Sara. There are acoustic moments on If It Was You; there are also full-on pop/ rock moments. The singing is the primary focus of the album, with both sisters carrying the weight of the vocal work. Going back to their punk roots seems to have helped, as many of the songs seem more raw than what one might expect from a formerly acoustic duo. It seems that success is almost guaranteed for an act such as this, seeing as they've played with Ryan Adams, Neil Young, and Rufus Wainwright, and also appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman. Not a bad offering that is sure to catch on -- as long as it can get noticed in that large bin of music labeled "lots of talent and commercial potential...we just need the right people to hear us." ~ Kurt Morris, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Twin sisters Tegan and Sara Quin are two singer/songwriters with impeccable acoustics, comfortable with exploring social frustrations without wallowing in despair. Their Vapor Records debut, This Business of Art, is simplistic, and the compositions are hollow and earthy. Tegan and Sara's vocals are gravelly like fellow folkie Ani DiFranco. They snarl on tracks like "Freedom" and "More for Me"; "Superstar," an excellent album standout, pounces with club/dance backdrops. Tegan and Sara are on the verge of their twenties and unconcerned with teen angst. They exude a well-crafted sound and savory lyrics for being so young. It's certainly refreshing in the face of bubbly Britneys. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
