Reviewed by Pippa Rimmer

Irish singer/songwriter Juliet Turner is respected among her fellow songsters in Ireland and has built up a reputation as an accomplished wordsmith. This exciting new album is full of solid, well written songs laden with witty observations, tongue-in-cheek scenarios and a touch of gritty realism. She has an uncanny knack of seeing into situations and drawing out their quirkiness. The title track cheekily states: "I found out how to keep you keen/I read it in a magazine/One of those expensive ones, so it must be true." Each song seems painstakingly crafted - some are delicate like the dreamy "Sorry To Say"; some are more poignant, like the sarcastic "Narcissi", while the upbeat "Take The Money And Run" is the obvious radio hit with its boppy, jangly feel (see separate review). Top Irish singer Brian Kennedy duets on Tom Waits' "I Hope That I Dont Fall In Love With You" - an acoustically-driven ballad where both voices work beautifully together riding on top of a gentle guitar. The wonderfully brittle "Theatre For The Broken" invites us in: "Welcome in, all ye clumsy people/All you whose tongues are tied with cords of scorn/This is your theatre for the broken where the doors are always open." Juliet's success lies in her ability to paint the details of everyday events, which are whimsical yet profound at the same time. Belfast Central describes her wariness of letting go in love and its a voyage of self-discovery as she learns to yield gently without feeling the need to run away. All in all, this is a very intelligent collection of delightful songs, beautifully woven together and fraught with emotional insight and sensitivity. It is playful and cheeky while retaining its creativity and depth. If you're looking for a less commercial alternative to the identikit pop emerging from Nashville, this will hit the spot. Go and buy!

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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