DurhamNtx's blog: "Music"

Hope Arden asked me to review her video Broken From The Start v2. I don't usually like doing reviews or critiques, because it's difficult for me not to inject honey or venom into the review - I can't easily remain neutral. But here goes... I like the song - it strikes a chord (so to speak) with me - I have had several relationships which made me think there was something wrong with me. The song itself is simple, yet hauntingly effective. "Broken From The Start" questions a lover's decision to leave the relationship. The singer tries to sort out her feelings as she deals with her loss of her lover - "Is it MY fault you left? Are you going to return?" Loss of a lover is never easy, and the singer gives the viewer the depth of her pain - "Was I broken from the start?" The song is simple, yet well-crafted, helping the listener to feel as the composer does - a real tear-jerker. The video is cool. The INXS-like use of the signs is a cool way to emphasize the lyrics. The B&W home movie feel adds to the impression that the video is aimed at the ex. The imagery - waking from a sleepless night, reverting to childhood toys for comfort - give the viewer a better sense of the nature of the song. It seems to say, "I hurt so much, I can't deal with it sometimes." Except that I don't like crying in my merlot, and always want to hold someone hurting or crying in songs like this, I really like the song, and the video. Hope Arden is talented, and her silver throat and talent make this song worth listening to. Her own vocal style coupled with her talent for composition produced a beautiful song, and her creative ability helped create a cool video. Rock on! Durham