Jennifer Hope-Singles: "With or Without You", "Maze of Lies", "Rapture", "Destiny"

Written by Scott Sweet

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Artist: Jennifer Hope

Singles: "With or Without You", "Maze of Lies", "Rapture", "Destiny"

Genre: Ethereal Rock

Website: www.jenniferhope.com

Where to purchase: www.itunes.apple.com

Reviewer: Scott Sweet

Date: 6-14-11

I first heard Jennifer Hope on the 1998 Cleopatra compilation "The Unquiet Grave". Since then, she's released two EPs through Mystic Dreams Music and contributed to several tribute albums. (These are available to hear and buy through her website.) Her voice has the same plaintive, modest style now as it did when CDs were the norm, and her alto has strengthened.

Her website features the singles listed above the photo. The cover of U2's "With or Without You" is charming folk-pop, with subdued instruments and nice vocal harmonies. "Maze of Lies" has some rock muscle. This track suggests that Hope has heard Tori Amos and Kate Bush but she isn't chasing them. "Rapture" has more dance appeal. "Destiny" is straightforward alternative rock. Lyrically, Hope focuses on love and loss throughout these songs.

It's interesting to follow the arc of a singer/songwriter, and to note what *doesn't* change as a measure of how true the artist is to her own vision.