Speak (The Roches album)
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| Speak | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | October 31, 1989[1] | |||
| Genre | Pop folk | |||
| Length | 50:17 | |||
| Label | MCA | |||
| Producer | The Roches, Jeffrey Lesser | |||
| The Roches chronology | ||||
| ||||
Speak is an album by the American musical trio the Roches, released in 1989 on MCA Records.[2][3] The album contained two singles that had accompanying videos, "Big Nuthin'" and "Everyone Is Good". Another track, "Nocturne", was included in the 1988 film Crossing Delancey, which costarred Suzzy Roche.[4]
"Big Nuthin'" was a minor radio hit.[5] The trio supported the album with a North American tour.[6]
The album was coproduced by the Roches; many songs were first takes.[7][8] The Roches had been singing many of the songs for years, and decided to flesh them out with drum machines and synthesizers.[9][10] The sisters shared in the songwriting.[11] "Big Nuthin'" references their appearance on Saturday Night Live.[12] The lyrics to "Cloud Dancing" were inspired by a 16th-century Chinese poet.[13]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [14] |
| Calgary Herald | B+[11] |
| Chicago Tribune |  [15] |
| Robert Christgau | A−[16] |
| The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | [17] |
| Ottawa Citizen | [18] |
| The Rolling Stone Album Guide | [19] |
| Spin Alternative Record Guide | 8/10[20] |
The New York Times wrote: "Throughout most of the album, there is a feeling that not a note or a word has been wasted, as the trio strives toward a sparseness and clarity that underscores its exquisite vocal blend."[4] The Chicago Tribune concluded that "the Roches' intricate, artfully balanced harmonies again take center stage and are matched by finely honed, complex tales that provoke almost simultaneous laughter and tears."[15]
The Globe and Mail deemed the album "yet another collection of too-cute pop folk ditties."[21] The Ottawa Citizen determined that "the music stretches across a confessional of private thoughts to a streak of outrageous sarcasm."[18]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide noted the "electro-organic landscape."[19] The Spin Alternative Record Guide praised the "Casio-based sound the takes home cooking into outer space."[20]
