Little Things Toby Lightman

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CD - Bonus Tracks

  • Release Date: 12/15/2007
  • Original Release: 2004
  • Label: WEA JAPAN
  • UPC: 4943674052547

Listener Rating: (13 ratings)

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  • Overview
  • Tracks
  • Editorial Reviews
  • Customer Reviews
  • Details & Credits
Track List
Click on LISTEN or link to hear an audio clip.
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Little Things

1LISTENLeave It Inside 3:02
2LISTENDevils and Angels 3:54
3LISTENComing Back In 4:05
4LISTENFrightened 3:52
5LISTENThe River 3:52
6LISTENVoices 3:43
7LISTENLittle Thing 0:49
8LISTENFront Row 3:33
9LISTENEveryday 3:47
10LISTENIs This Right 3:58
11LISTENDon't Wanna Know 3:37
12LISTENRunning Away 4:23

About this Artist

Editorial Reviews

It's fortunate that Toby Lightman's vocals are so strong, since it's all that she can do to be heard over the electronic burble of her debut LP, Little Things (Lava/Atlantic). Peter Zizzo's production is furiously contemporary, with programmed percussion, intermittent string sections, shrill electric guitar, and layered vocal collages (of both Lightman's own voice and supporting harmonies) often choking the subtle acoustic chords that run throughout the record. About the only thing missing from the shallow bag of studio tricks is "Robo Toby," the processed vocal effect made infamous by the Matrix. Luckily, the young singer really does have a huge voice. Comparisons to Nelly Furtado and Lauryn Hill are valid; Lightman's phrasing is perfect and her singing's throaty and sassy, even if her lyrics are the usual mix of aw snap empowerment, romantic woe, and dear diary soul-searching. She's mature and confident over the light contemporary R&B of "Leave It Inside" -- is that a Mary J. Blige influence? -- and the processed poptronica of "The River" gives her some strong material as well. But Lightman's vitality really shines through in "Everyday," which finally, mercifully strips away the accompanying instrumentation to a simple and refreshing acoustic guitar line. The song suggests what Lightman might've sounded like before her tunes were shoehorned into the blatant and unimaginative MOR arrangements that clutter Little Things. They have pop hooks, sure, and the busy, ingratiating "Devils and Angels" or "Frightened"'s tasteful Dido-isms should appeal to casual listeners content with a pretty melody and a comfortably non-threatening smattering of not quite here, not quite there instrumentation. But Little Things' strict adherence to the now sound -- as in what is destined to be so yesterday -- doesn't give Lightman a fair chance at building an identity. Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

Little Thingsby Anonymous

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August 03, 2004: Toby Lightman is the first female voice to come along in a long time that displays true musical talent. The lyrics she puts together in her songs tell a story - make you think about what you're hearing. They range in topics from the laid back "Running Away" to the powerful "The River" (my favorite on the album) and songs like "Front Row" about her interaction with a (fictional) audience member "Don't Wanna Know" which is alomst the opposite point of view - from the fan's perspective of thier idol. Of course these are just my takes on the songs, and that's what makes them so great, you really sit and think about what they mean and figure out different scenarios. And best yet, you can actually understand what she's saying. She is completely original. I don't understand much of the comparisons that have been made in her style. I would agree she is in the same genre as many of the other artists she has been compared to, but her style is totally unique. The album shows such versatility, so many different techniques. For a first album it is very polished - the video for "Devils and Angels" was first rate. But even better is hearing her live - just her and her guitarist Eddy if you're lucky. Their acoustic dueling together is amazing. In fact, I'd love it if she made an acoustic remake of the album. I would recommend this album to everyone (in fact I do). A true original talent. I certainly hope she survives a business full of gushy pop and gritty grunge.

This review was written about the CD edition.

Little Thingsby Anonymous

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July 15, 2004: I was cruising I-Tunes on my Mac and was really excited when I heard some of the clips. I immediately bought the album and it is one of the staples in my CD player in my car! Her voice is so strong. It's refreshing to hear someone bust out of the 'norm.' I would describe her as Alannis Morrisette meets the late Eva Cassidy...

This review was written about the CD edition.


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