Twentythree (alternatively styled "twentythree") is the major label debut album of American singer-songwriter Tristan Prettyman. It was released by Virgin Records America on August 2, 2005. It peaked at No. 24 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart. The album was named, at least in part, for the fact that it was released after Prettyman's 23rd birthday.[2] Also, both she and her then-boyfriend, musician Jason Mraz, were born on the 23rd (of May 1982 and June 1977 respectively). Mraz would later propose to Prettyman on December 23, 2010.

Twentythree
Studio album by
ReleasedAugust 2, 2005[1]
GenreFolk-pop[2]
Length36:50
LabelVRA
ProducerJosh Deutsch
Tristan Prettyman chronology
The Love EP
(2003)
Twentythree
(2005)
Hello...x
(2008)

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Rolling Stone     [3]

Critical response to Twentythree was largely positive though conservative, and she drew comparisons to fellow surfer Jack Johnson.[4][5] USA Today gave the album four-and-a-half stars, saying that the "singer-songwriter's breathy wisp of a voice doesn't reveal much range, technically, dynamically or otherwise", but that she does "have a gentle charm that should allow this former competitive surfer to stay afloat under the pop radar."[6] Entertainment Weekly gave the album a B, calling it "husky, pleasant Introspection Lite."[4] People magazine said that "with her soothing folk-pop sounds and sweetly understated vocals, this San Diego singer-songwriter is poised to be the next Jewel", finally giving the album three stars.[2] Christian Hoard with Rolling Stone commented that "Prettyman may not quite have found her voice, but on 'Twentythree' her nice-girl daydreams sound awfully sweet."[5]

Track listing

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  1. "Love Love Love" (Tristan Prettyman) – 3:25
  2. "Always Feel This Way" (Prettyman) – 2:55
  3. "The Story" (Prettyman) – 2:56
  4. "Electric" (Prettyman) – 2:55
  5. "Shy That Way (Prettyman, Jason Mraz) – 3:31
    • feat. Jason Mraz
  6. "Please" (Prettyman) – 3:10
  7. "Breathe" (Prettyman) – 3:13
  8. "Song for the Rich" (Prettyman) – 3:43
  9. "Smoke" (Prettyman) – 3:45
  10. "Melting" (Prettyman) – 3:37
  11. "Simple As It Should Be" (Prettyman, Jesse Harris) – 3:49
    • feat. G. Love
  12. "Mess" (Prettyman) – 3:50
  13. "November" (Prettyman) – 3:23

The songs "November" and "Song for the Rich" were also on her four-song demo.

References

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  1. ^ Kelefa Sanneh (July 31, 2005), "The Week Ahead: July 31-Aug. 6; Pop/Jazz", The New York Times :27
  2. ^ a b c Arnold, Chuck (August 22, 2005), "Tristan Prettyman." People "64" (8):44
  3. ^ Rolling Stone review[dead link]
  4. ^ a b Greenblatt, Leah (August 5, 2005), "Twentythree". Entertainment Weekly (832):66
  5. ^ a b Hoard, Christian (August 25, 2005), "Tristan: Prettyman: Twentythree." Rolling Stone (981):103
  6. ^ Gardner, Elysa (August 2, 2005), "Hill's 'Fireflies' sparkles". USA Today.
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