No Room For Squares – Hank Mobley (Blue Note)

Begin to Hope is Regina Spektor’s fourth studio album, released in June 2006. It marks a moment when her indie-anti-folk roots intersect more decisively with polished pop production. Piano remains central to her sound, weaving with strings, horns, and occasional electronic flourishes to enrich the textures. Spektor’s songwriting balances wit, vulnerability, and imaginative storytelling—there’s dramatic flair in songs like “Fidelity” and “Samson,” contrasted with quieter reflections in “Field Below” and “That Time.”

The album feels both intimate and ambitious. Spektor’s voice carries characteristic quirks—idiosyncratic phrasing, emotional range—yet she delivers with increasing control. The production enhances rather than overshadows her strengths, offering hooks and dynamic shifts without losing the sense of personality that defined her earlier work. Overall, Begin to Hope presents an accessible entry point for new listeners while offering depth and surprise for longtime fans.

Reviews:
“Begin to Hope exhibits new levels of control and direction, reaching a point where the song and the singing are inseparable.” – Pitchfork

“With the possible exception of ‘That Time,’ with its repetitive, Alanis-style lyrics, there’s an underlying hope to Regina Spektor’s music.” – Slant Magazine

Genre: Jazz

Review