WHOLEHEARTED by Beth Hirsch

Wholehearted is just as aptly titled; Hirsch has clearly put her all into its making, wisely choosing to focus on her strengths as both performer and writer rather than studio wizardry. By offsetting the striking versatility displayed on Titles & Idols with the bare bones of her debut, Wholehearted brings us the sound of a more mature artist who has found her niche. It's organic in sound and full of warmth and feeling. Her voice has always been astonishing, and now her songwriting really works in harmony with the most striking qualities of this most powerful of assets. Hirsch appears to be at a point in her life where uncertainties have been dealt with and some resolve reached. You only have to read the song titles – Love Will Come Again, All Together and Glad To Know – to get a sense of assurance. It's a rare creature indeed who has the grace to spare us the usual self-indulgence and deliver something that's both optimistic and touching.

As one might expect from a Florida-born, LA resident, these songs have a lasting summery feel. Take the title track for instance; drenched in trumpets and laidback piano, it would perfectly complement a hazy August evening. Habitually in Hirsch's music, however, there's a slight sense of paradox. Optimistic lyrics are often set to music with a slightly sentimental sound, and it is this edge that keeps you coming back. "This slate is clean, but not from heaven" she sings on Indelibly You, hinting some unrest still remaining. While on the whole the record is a relaxed affair, there's a touch of feistiness too ("I'm a lunatic in love"). Externalising a little, Hirsch makes some sharp and cutting observations in the magnificent Life Is Short But Wide, a song that looks at the ever-potent issue of war and what it's good for (hint: not much). Her soldier protagonist writes home "but Hope has died, just as I have died / I learnt today that life is short but wide."

Simply put, Wholehearted is an album borne out of love of music. Beautifully arranged and immaculately executed, it's a thoroughly refreshing experience. While the electronic soundscapes of Titles & Idols were a wonderful addition to Hirsch's sound, her return to these simpler, uncluttered stylings is a welcome affirmation of her talent.

- Wears the Trousers (UK)

WHOLEHEARTED is now being considered Beth Hirsch's greatest work to date, thanks to the ethereal & soulful combination of Hirsch's vocals and songwriting combined with the richly harmonious production of Jez Colin & Phillippe Balatier and featuring the world-class talents of keyboardist Deron Johnson (Miles Davis, Seal), Pascal Reva (NoJazz), guitarist Jaime Kime (Jewel, Michelle Branch) and trumpetist Enzo Villaparedes (Earth, Wind & Fire) among many others.

Average Customer Review: 5