What does it sound like?:

The Magic Number’s lady’s 2nd solo album will be a revelation for those who only know the bands bouncy pop hits. This is a real earthy, country tinged meditation of life, love and how to find your way through it the best you can. Nestling in gentle waves of organ, strings, a shuffling drumbeat or often just a lightly picked guitar her voice is full of emotional cracks, burrs, hurt and longing that make this an intimately compelling listen.

It’s often strange to find solace in a place that is created from the woes of an artist but there is something very comforting and cathartic about the sound of this record. Indeed another heartbreak album is invoked in ‘Once In A While’ as a couple discuss “Love and loss & songs like ‘Shelter From The Storm’” – this has a dark bitterness but not a hopeless regret. The admittance that ‘everyone needs saving once in a while’ is a night light and a helping hand gripping on tight.

The album’s opener ‘Come Back Home’ with its rich organ and gospel tinged arrangement brings to mind the sultry soul soaked beginnings of Aretha or Erma Franklin. ‘Ain’t No Woman’ is a plea for appreciation and acceptance that, basically, stop looking around, you have all you want in me. ‘When Is It Over’ laments that a relationship doesn’t end with goodbye, the darkness and questions of the soul still live long in those quiet lonely moments of reflection. The little flashes of anger and growls set this apart from just another love lost lament – there is an inner strength and defiance at this record’s heart.

Using stillness as her strongest suit, ‘Pieces’ doesn’t shy away from deep confessional truths often delivered in a whisper, Michele’s voice drawing you in almost as it slips dreamlike into the woozy distance on the closing track ‘Over The Hill’ and ‘Will You Wait’ dissolving into a wordless trance. Beautifully produced in an understated way it allows the songs to melt into you with perfect restrained performances from her band that create an atmosphere that envelops the listener.

What does it all *mean*?

If I’ve made this sound like a miserable listen then that would be doing Michele a great disservice. it’s a beautifully honest record that I think will stay with me as one of those to get back in touch with what is real – in darkness, hope, loss, love and simple truth.

Goes well with…

Cigarettes and coffee

Release Date:

Might suit people who like…

Kathryn Williams, Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams – other strong and nakedly honest women who can write from nowhere but the heart.