Basia Bullat's 2007 debut, 'Oh, My Darling' may have been critically acclaimed, and her songs characterised by Basia's 'soothing, throaty voice,' 'classic songwriting' and 'an earthy, organic quality,' but I really can't find any cause of excitement on this twelve-track set. It's inoffensive enough, and there's nothing wrong with that, but...
The tracks drift in and out, Bulat's voice swooping melodically and always dominant in the mix even on the more uptempo numbers, like opener 'Go On' and single 'Gold Rush' which have urgent-sounding percussion behind the violin and piano arrangement. Elsewhere, 'The Shore' is pretty and atmospheric, but far from unique.
Herein lies the main issue I have with this album. Basia may have a heart of her own, but doesn't - on the strength of this outing - really seem to have a strong musical identity of her own.
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