Never has there been a better time to be a female solo artist to step into the limelight.
Being compared to such hit female artists as Sarah McLachlan and Regina Spektor, Missy Higgins and her smooth sound are bound to gain some American fame. Her album On a Clear Night, released nearly a year ago, is finally finding its way into American listeners' ears.
This Australia native has been topping the charts down under for years. With the international release of her first album, The Sound of White, and American tours with artists including Jason Mraz and Michelle Branch, she has been able to create a strong American fan base.
Now with the Warner Bros. record label releasing her second effort, Night is a bit more upbeat compared to her debut. On A Clear Night was written on the road, leading to many lyrics about liberation of love and life that were discovered along the way.
The album showcases Higgins' talent. From the first song "Where I Stood," the music, fusing with her distinct vocals, is entrancing.
Throughout the album, Higgins' shows that she is not only a talented singer-song writer, but also a great instrumentalist. From guitar to piano, her music and her lyrics mesh gracefully.
"Peachy" is an angry and bitter love song that has a great beat and is incredibly catchy.
"No of course you don't of course you don't/You say life is peachy without me/Of course you don't of course you don't/You say life is peachy without me."
However talented she may be, her sound is much like other notable artists. She has an extremely noticeable resemblance to her inspirations such as Natasha Bedingfield or Feist.
With all of the popularity that female indie acoustic artists have been receiving as of late, it's very possible she will get lost in the shuffle.
Anyone who enjoys a relaxing soft female voice should give Higgins latest album a chance. There may many female musicians around, but there's always room for a fresh face with the talent to back it up.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
