More Accessible, Less Icy from Singer and New Swedish friends

While Sarah Blasko’s voice and finely wrought songs have been widely lauded, there has always been a question of the connection: Where hushed, breathy tones might create intimacy for other singers, in Blasko’s case they often sound down  right spooky. With As Day Follows Night the singer ends her creative relationship with Sydney musician Robert F. Cranny – who co-wrote and co-produced her first two albums – and in doing so she shakes some of the ice from around her sound. Produced by Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John in Stockholm, the irony is that despite the freezing climate this was recorded in, it is as warm as Blasko has ever sounded – immaculate, organic, and airy. Yes, it’s still spooky in places – check out first single “All I Want” – but on skipping little jaunts like “Hold On My Heart” and Over & Over”, or melancholic magic like “Is My Baby Yours”, the listener is invited inside to share in Blasko’s brilliance, rather than just being forced to admire it from a distance.

Jude Winston