Flags

"Flags" is one of Brooke's finest albums...the other being "Albertine", in my opinion. While the religious influence is more pronounced on "Albertine", "Flags" is Brooke's commercial pop-rock album, with a bit of the religious influence left in (e.g. Crows + Locusts). Each of these songs is a gem of its own, telling its own story, and the album features a nice, though melancholy duet with Aqualung too.All in all, worth several listens from start to finish! I have a lot of respect for Fraser's musical style, and for her lyrics that hint at a well-read mind. She was the first musician playing this kind of music that I gave a proper chance, and I was quickly hooked :) I hope she makes further music like this in the future, as "Brutal Romantic" didn't really do it for me, but if you're not averse to some Christian lyrics then I can highly recommend her soulful work with Hillsong.

If you are as much (or more) interested in the lyrics, then you'll probably agree that Brooke does an incredible job of placing you in the situation or circumstance that her quiet, yet powerful, songs describe. None more so than in the incredibly moving crows + locusts - inspired I suspect (I don't know) by her time working as a volunteer in Africa.There is also originality, especially in the way a dying relationship (a married one - wow!) is described in the hauntingly beautiful 'who are we fooling?'. There isn't really a weak song on the album, which in itself is an achievement, but there again, Flags is not her first by any means and she seems to have suffered for her cause in past years.It may not be quite correct so to do, but I must flag <get it?> Brooke's unusual treatment of the letter 's'. It mystifyingly - because it is only occasional - sometimes becomes 'esh'. Could add to or marr your enjoyment.For me, though, an excellent purchase of a clearly multi talented artiste who has also produced/written most of the material.

Sounds quite different to her later evangelical work, but well worth buying.

Everything I expected and more . A tremendous artist who does not get much air time in this country more the pity. Try and I think most will agree with me

Fantastic album. I love the majority of the tracks.

Nice voice.

This is a simply stunning album. Every single track a masterpiece.

I love all the songs but especially, "Who are we fooling?", "Crows locusts," and "Flags." It has a good sound and is worth buying.