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Critic's Review
MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
Prior to issuing a follow-up to his groundbreaking debut, Australia, singer/songwriter Howie Day released The Madrigals EP in mid-2003 as a means of safeguarding his rising star power in pop music. It's a great move, and The Madrigals EP captures Day at his finest. He's growing into his craft as a songwriter as well as a performer, and this five-song CD finds him relaxed and comfortable. From the demo versions of "Madrigals" and "You & a Promise," Day has noticeably grown into his hearty, emotional voice. Critics have matched his melodic gravel to Jeff Buckley and Bono, and such comparisons are fully realized on these particular tracks. Live versions of "Bunnies" and "Sorry So Sorry" are equally impressive, definitely a clue to where Howie Day is taking himself as a professional artist. Listeners know it's going to be somewhere good. [A bonus DVD featuring 30-plus minutes of live performance footage is also included.]
