Reviewed by Stella Redburn

This is the debut album from a Welsh, folk-orientated singer with a gorgeous, liquid voice which comes flowing out seemingly effortlessly on every track. It's really an exceptional sound and here she uses her dulcet tones on 12 of her own compositions. I was also struck by the songs themselves. They are all so honest and direct, obviously written from Sarah's own, sometimes painful experience. She has the knack of writing a catchy tune and Jon Turner, the producer, has delivered some brilliant arrangements. The first track is a classic with its memorable chorus "I Will Walk With You". I like the added harmony as the song gets going. All these songs have a real momentum, often created by the attractive feel-good sound of the acoustic rhythm guitar. On "Jump And I'll Catch You", we get the bonus of some Celtic style fiddle playing, played by Henry Sears, who also comes up trumps with some great whistle playing on "Brighten Up My Day", where the laid-back folksie sound belies the soul-searching lyrics. "Please Tell Us Why" is a very striking song, with layered harmony from the voices in the chorus underlining the intensely personal words of betrayal and hurt. Another memorable song is "It's All Because Of You". The simple refrain is kept from being banal by the sheer quality of Sarah's lovely voice.

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