ABC News reviewed some of the latest new releases in the music industry that was recently released and Mary’s debut album was among them. Here’s what they had to say:
Dan The Automator and actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead struck up a friendship while he was scoring her movie “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” back in 2010. 4 years later, they have collaborated on disc as Got A Girl. I know what you are thinking. A career musician teaming with an actress? Does this sound like M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel’s She & Him? The answer is no. Automator is a hip-hop producer known for his work with Gorillaz, Handsome Boy Modeling School and Detron 3030. On the playfully titled, “I Love You But I Must Drive Off This Cliff Now,” they dabble in more Bond-theme type territory. Winstead’s hushed vocals coo along with a chilled sweetness. She’s perfectly justified in entering the music business. This doesn’t come off in the least bit like a groan-worthy vanity project.
At its best, the album recalls acts like Portishead and Bitter:Sweet. Fans of Lana Del Rey may also be wise to check out this album. It is orchestrated fun with a hip-hop edge and a huge nod to sixties kitsch. If you were a fan of Mono’s 1997 trip-hop masterpiece, “Formica Blues,” this record should be right up your alley.
Please note that digitally there is a deluxe edition available with all the instrumental beats included. No doubt this will lead to free-styling and mixtape gold in certain progressive hip-hop circles.
Focus Tracks:
“Heavenly” This closing track serves as a thesis statement to the album and it also showcases one of Winstead’s sharpest and most soaring melodies. It should be a single sent for pop airplay. The progressive pop stations would probably play it.
“There’s A Revolution” This track plays like a 21st Century, shopping mall answer to Tom Jones’ “It’s Not Unusual.” I mean that in the best way possible.
“I’ll Never Hold You Back” This track finds Winstead in gentle ballad mood with winning results. This is another potential single.
4 stars