Natalie Merchant's somewhat bland solo career evidences how musical synergies are important. The rest of the 10,000 Maniacs tempered Merchant's heavy lyrics and pretensions, resulting in the sum being much greater than the individual parts. On Merchant's solo debut "Tigerlily" (1995), some of these synergies lingered into strong singles like "Carnival" and "Wonder", but she's lost an edge that the Maniacs brought. A wonderful and distinctive voice; however, Natalie Merchant as a solo artist fades quickly when compared to many others on this list.

I have not followed her as closely since she left 10,000 Maniacs. She's just a bit too mellow for me. That said, she is a great lyricist and there are some gems that I can dig. Especially Carnival.

I love 'Tigerlilly' - I've always believed that Merchant is underrated and overlooked in today's music scene. . .Merchant never paraded around like a stupid glam star - she let her music speak for itself.

so falsely earnest she makes me ill. ingratiating at best. i prefer SO MANY female singers over this trite artist.

I fail to see any talent here and find her music boring and dull.

A nasal and propagandizing left wing voice. Great for ugly liberals who don't shave their legs and wear birkenstocks.

Beautiful voice but I preferred her music with 10,000 Maniacs to the stuff she's done since then.

Natalie Merchant continues to be one of the best singer/songwriters out there. Despite a rather boring new folk album, she's still one of my favourite artists.

amazing voice, intelligent lyrics, perfect concert to see with someone with whom you are in love.

I am not a huge fan of her music, but she has one of the most gorgeous voices I've ever heard. I like it when she guests on other albums, because it's like a little treat thrown in.

nice voice but her songs were boring

Great poet and singer.Listen

A very talented artist. She is one of my all time favorites.

Not as good as 10.000 Maniacs but Natalie's songs are still great.

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Natalie is a model of how to have a successful musical career without being a money hungry sell out! Some may find her musical offerings mundane & pretentious but the woman always uses her talent to make the listener think! In a musical world engulfed by hollow messages, Natalie always offers substance! If Natalie is pretentious for using her craft to better people then I'd rather be like her instead of being like the shallow, flash in the pan, underachievers of the Pop world!

Her music is overbearing and pretentious. She should lighten up.

I know she's supposed to be this big talent but her voice just bugs me....

Kind of a bitch.

I like Merchant's music a lot. When she was with the Maniacs it was the best though. On the unplugged album, check out "Because the Night" and you'll see what I mean.

Intelligent

Although she is not as good as she used to be, she is still one of the best.

What a voice...