Anouschka

CD - My Kind Of Heartbreak

Play 90 second soundbite of 'Beautiful But Damned' @ 'CD quality'

Swedish born Anouschka's new album 'My Kind Of Heartbreak' is a bit of a biographical work that takes in the trials, tribulations and highs and lows of Anouschka's life and career. Biographical maybe, but, not at all self-indulgent or pretentious. With its eclectic mix of country blues laced 'chunes' with hints of jazz, rock and folk, it's a well constructed work that chugs along nicely and is very likeable.

Anouschka's cross-over style is delicate and warm rather than downright dirty and gutsy. She has a somewhat uplifting and optimistic style of writing considering many of the lyrics reflect hard times and strife. A little like Cyndi Lauper, Anouschka vocal style is full of naive charm and although she may not be the greatest vocalist in the world she delivers her songs with conviction and confidence. For me, Anouschka gets it on better on the slower, grinding blues tracks; her slightly wavering voice cuts the mustard and just sounds more convincing than on less bluesy numbers.

Anouschka's pulled together an impressive sounding line-up of musicians to assist on 'My Kind Of Heartbreak'; a stunningly tight and professional 'outfit' that keep it real and homely through punctuative and expressive playing rather than with gimmicks and effects - quite a pleasant change too! I particularly like the way Anouschka brings violin into the mix, on a couple of tracks, which adds a nu-country-blues vibrancy and works extremely well.

'My Kind Of Heartbreak' is superbly packaged and includes pretty concise and informative overviews of the songs included. There's a lot of thought gone into 'My Kind Of Heartbreak'; impressive writing is showcased by very professionally handled instrumentation and attention to detail. 'My Kind Of Heartbreak' sits snugly between genres, has a vaguely retro feel but manages to sound fresh and wholesome. It's nicely easy on the ear but holds sufficient lyrical poignancy to be tangibly interesting and accessible and the genre shake-up thing gives 'My Kind Of Heartbreak' by Anouschka a wider audience base to aim her subtly ballsy music at.

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