Sarah Slean — The Baroness

The Baroness

Warner

Jen White (CHARTattack)

03/11/2008 9:38pm

Sarah Slean moved to Paris to write songs and rediscover herself in 2006, and it definitely paid off. Drenched in a Parisian-inspired musical sensibility, Slean returns in full force with this fifth studio release. While not as poppy as her previous efforts, the album showcases a newfound maturity in her sound and it's obvious that Slean has blossomed into a masterful songstress. Opening track "Hopeful Hearts" has a strong, full sound that captures your attention from the first few notes. Slean's vocals are as beautiful and earnest as ever, like on single "Get Home," "No Place At All" and "Please Be Good To Me," and you can't help but drink them in. Her horn and string arrangements add depth to the album, and backing vocals by Ron Sexsmith on "Looking For Someone" complements her voice perfectly. Slean fans will definitely fall in love with her all over again.