Reviewed by Sue Rann

Sara Groves reminds me of Tanita Tikaram, minus the fiddles and whistles: unadorned, folksy sound with a thoughtful quality to the vocals that feels intimate, a lack of sugar coating on the very open, searchingly honest lyrics. This is Groves' second album and it's a beauty. It entertains without being superficial; it talks to the soul without straining to "minister". Personal favourites, for sheer singalongability, were "Painting Pictures Of Egypt", "Generations" and "Going Home", but "How Is It Between Us" deserves a mention for its laid-back, almost jazzy feel, as well as "Tent In The Center Of Town", which has a romping, playful feel. Great stuff from a transparently gifted American singer/songwriter hearteningly offering musical and lyrical intelligence in a scene heavy with disposable Nashville pop.

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