Reviewed by Ian Hayter

Nichole's 1998 release 'Wide Eyed' was reviewed in CR by Graeme Lamb (1st December 1998) and 2005's 'Brave' by Tony Cummings back in September of that year, both reviews to which I can add nothing new. The beauty of this two-disc package, though, is that it gives the listener the opportunity to experience the development in style and delivery over the seven year interval between their original release dates. Both the production - by Mark Hammond in 1998 and by Jay Joyce in 2005 - and the vocal performances have matured. Each album is, in its own way, a classic, but progress has definitely taken place with songs such as "What If" and the Dylan cover "Gotta Serve Somebody" on 'Brave' demonstrating a growing maturity over "Anyway" and the title track from 'Wide Eyed'. If you don't already have them, this twofer is well worth adding to your collection.

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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