One way I can tell how much I love this album is the fact that I can't even begin to pick out only a favorite couple of songs. They are all standouts for me. The second way is to realize that although I have been listening to these songs for several years now, I enjoy and appreciate them as much, if not more, than my first encounters with them. Lara's sweet, strong voice gives wonderful life to her insightful, often poignant lyrics. And the accompanying instrumentation deftly supports and enhances without being overpowering.
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Lara presents us with some fine examples of gentle yet bittersweet acoustic music. Although the predominate influence is Americana, it would be unfair to classify Lara in purely that vein. As well as the Nashville country influence there is also Greenwich Village folk and San Franciscan pop just under the surface. All of which makes her a bit of a cartographer of the American musical landscape in her own right. The lively "Untethered" with an infectiously almost bouncy summery folk beat that seems to mix elements of Joni Mitchell and Carole King with the Cranberries is a real standout track. Personal favourite though is "Clear" which is a mid tempo alt country style of song with a bit of an autobiographical feel to it. With "20 Years Ago" we are taken in a more reflective direction and mood. "Blessed" is another song with deceptively meaningful lyrics, and the mellow sounding "Josephine" would appear to fit in the same category. Although tending to favour the slower paced and seemingly tender song, Lara's lyrics often carry a bit more of a bite if you take the time to listen. Recommended for fans of singer songwriters who tell it from the heart.
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Remember when there were albums you wanted listen to all the way through and maybe even over again? This is definitely one of those albums. Lara's unique storytelling has a way of drawing you in without you even realizing it, and her superb band provides a dreamy backdrop for her achingly lovely voice and excellent guitar playing.
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Clearly one of the best singer/songwriters to come out of NYC, and a beautiful girl. Well done.
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