It becomes somewhat of a dramatic change when your run of the mill alternative folk singer aspires to Top 40 stardom. Which is what Jewel did. And she's done a pretty good job of it. She has brought to herself the machine that creates stars while writing all the songs. Admirable.

Freshening her appearance from former folkie to produce an eye-pleasing persona, Jewel proceeded to market herself with showcases on television and events thus broadening her potential audience. What she has accomplished with this planned exposure is boosted appeal. While this doesn't do wonders for her credibility as a folk artist with depth, it certainly puts more coin in the pocket.

On 0304, Jewel has styled a strong album filled with radio ready songs, each one independently different from the other. The curse of Top 40 generally fills an album of like songs designed to rest on the laurels of the previous hit. Not so with this album. Jewel's songwriting skills have given her a lead and set her apart from the pool. Listening to this album is a pleasant experience due largely to its diversity.

Solid songs like "2 Become 1"and "Stand" with their pop beat for the dance crowd hold promise for longevity's sake. With the current single, "Intuition", in full bloom on radios everywhere, it's just a matter of time before another of the album's many tunes find itself being played as the next single. And there are several that could be next. "Sweet Temptation" and "2 Become 1" are easy candidates.

There is a nice blend of sounds in this set. Dance styled music with pop overtones, a blitz of jazz, and her dyed in the wool folk leanings create a varied mix that keeps this album moving and fresh with every song. 0304 explores pop/rock realms with seeming ease.

Jewel is a prime example of how stepping outside the slender growth of respectability as a folk artist into the blare of increased visibility can pay off. She has followed a path and it has paid off, thus far. While her change may have peeled the veneer from her past deep and introspective folk songs, it has introduced her to an audience that was otherwise unattainable.

0304 is a very good album from a talent that is capable of much quality. This time, her quality is in her highly listenable new album where it should be. Where she goes from here is anybody's guess but you can bet one thing, there'll be more people to greet her when she gets there.

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Jewel

0304

Released: May 30, 2003
Origination Year: 2003
Time: 53:43
Tracks: 14
Produced by: Jewel
Style: Studio
Format: CD
Enhancement: None
Label: Atlantic Records
Website:
www.jeweljlk.com

Stand
Run 2 U
Intuition
Leave the Lights On
2 Find U
Fragile Heart
Doin' Fine
2 Become 1
Haunted
Sweet Temptation
Yes U Can
U and Me = Love
America
Becoming