The difficulty I have with many of Phoebe's songs, is that they employ the jazzed-up hype sound which is very popular in the US I gather, as so many use that style. I don't enjoy brass instruments used like that - I suppose Frank Sinatra set some benchmark, and frankly I don't mind his renditions, but as a rule, that style is far too extrovert for my tastes.
I always love Phoebe's voice, and some songs have more interesting words than others - that's a given - but it is always the singer's voice which makes the words meaningful.
"Phoebe Snow" album had a style which I feel presented her voice in the best light. We also got a 'Best of..' CD from a friend, but again I had trouble with that brass-hype style so many songs used.
As for Games... well, when one dates a circus clown, one has to play.