Beth Orton - Daybreaker
by Anthony Strutt
published: 8 / 8 / 2002

Label:
Heavenly Recordings
Format: CD
intro
Spectacular third offering in folkish vein from the much acclaimed Beth Orton, which proves to be an improvement even on her two already classic previous albums, 'Trailer Park' and 'Central Reservation'
'Daybreaker' is Beth Orton's third album. Normally the third album is the awkward one, but right from the first few notes of its opener 'Paris Train' to its finish 'Daybreaker' is a joy and can chill me out, no matter whatever foul mood the day has put me in. There's not many albums that can do that for me these days. Also, if you're an intelligent guy, how can you not fancy Beth ? She is gorgeous. 'Daybreaker' sees her really improving on the brilliant ''Trailer Park' and 'Central Reservation', both of which are classics all the way through. This album features duets with both Joni Mitchell on 'Good Song' and Ryan Adams on the EP track "Concrete Sky', while a number of the other tracks were co-written with the ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. Whereas before the tracks were either folk based or dance based, "Daybreaker' is more in the folk vein. On it Beth has really found her voice, using natural instrumentals rather than dance beats to tell her little tales to us, these tales are more orchestrated, more beautifully arranged and while before they may have gone off into a dance groove, they now have more of a non fois funky feel to them. Tracks like 'This One is Gonna Bruise' almost rip me apart. This album proves she is definitely one of England's greatest in depth and most forward thinking songwriters. I first saw Beth before she had a band back in '96 and have met her a number of times over the years. She is really lovely and bubbly. I have even been cheeky and kissed a few times on the cheek. If only I had had the guts to ask her out, I'd be the happiest bloke alive, but for now I'm content to listen to 'Daybreaker'. Beth tours in October
Track Listing:-
1 Paris Train2 Concrete Sky
3 Mount Washington
4 Anywhere
5 Daybreaker
6 Carmella
7 God Song
8 This One's Gonna Bruise
9 Ted's Waltz
10 Thinking About Tomorrow
Band Links:-
https://twitter.com/beth_ortonhttps://www.facebook.com/BethOrtonOfficial/
http://www.bethortonofficial.com/
http://www.songkick.com/artists/308960-beth-orton
https://www.instagram.com/bethorton/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xWOwA9yoRanf8fDsNT_YA
Label Links:-
http://www.heavenlyrecordings.com/https://www.facebook.com/HeavenlyRecordings
https://twitter.com/heavenlyrecs
https://www.youtube.com/user/HeavenlyRecordings
http://heavenlyrecordings.com/emporium/
https://plus.google.com/112376981607361996973
Have a Listen:-
live reviews |
London Electric Ballroom, 9/7/2002 |
![]() |
English singer-songwriter Beth Orton is back with both a new band and an accclaimed new album 'Daybreaker' . Long term fan Anthony Strutt finds her to be on powerful form at a show at London's Electric Ballroom |
favourite album |
Central Reservation (2014) |
![]() |
In our 'Re:View' section, in which our writers look back at albums from the past, Anthony Strutt reflects on English singer-songwriter Beth Orton's 1999 album 'Central Reservation', which has just been re-released in a new double CD edition |
Trailer Park (2009) |
soundcloud
reviews |
Weather Alive (2022) |
![]() |
Ethereal and ambient seventh album which was acclaimed over six years from critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Beth Orton |
Kidsticks (2016) |
Shopping Trolley / Comfort Of Strangers (2006) |
Conceived (2006) |
Comfort Of Strangers (2006) |
Pass In Time Definitive Collection (2003) |
Thinking About Tomorrow (2003) |
most viewed articles
current edition
John McKay - InterviewRobert Forster - Interview
Cathode Ray - Interview
Spear Of Destiny - Interview
Fiona Hutchings - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Chris Wade - Interview
Brian Wilson - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Shrag - Huw Stephens Session 08.12.10 and Marc Riley Session 21.03.12
most viewed reviews
current edition
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a CircleVinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Garbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
John McKay - Sixes and #Sevens
Little Simz - Lotus
HAIM - I Quit
Morcheeba - Escape The Chaos
Eddie Chacon - Lay Low
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart