Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Nashville-based country singer/songwriter Sarah Darling has built up more of following here in the UK than in her native America so it seems natural that she would record her much-anticipated fifth studio album on these shores. Deliberately moving from her default country sound to more of a gentle electronica-tinged pop footing, Darling has employed the services of a plethora of high profile producers including Ash Howes (Kylie), Pete Hammerton (Little Mix) and Jonny Lattimer (Sam Smith) and the result is nothing short of stunning. Proceedings kick off with the cautiously optimistic "Blue Sky" which showcases Darling's ability to turn in a Stevie Nicks-like vocal whilst setting a scene for an album of mostly co-written songs about longing for love. For instance, tracks like "Call Me" and "Light It Up" promote a devil-may-care attitude towards relationships whilst the wistful "Timelapse" and "A Boy Like You" temper things by longing for something more permanent. Elsewhere, "A Little Bit Of Rain" is a non-judgmental tale of adultery which highlights Darling's songwriting chops alongside the poetic and strangely familiar-sounding "London Fog" which may well be this release's stand out track. Not one to wear her Christian heart on her musical sleeve, the likes of "Diamonds" and "Fire" find Darling singing about perseverance in a non-specific way to add some depth to yet another fine album from this increasingly successful artist.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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