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It has been four years since Leigh Nash has provided some new cotton candy music for our ears. So, I was anxious to hear what has come out of the confines of her mind, and how she would do now that she is solo. For those unaware, Sixpence None The Richer disbanded two years ago after many struggles with a label. It was complete disappointment for those of us who fell in love with her angelic and innocent sounding voice. 

Thankfully, Nash found inspiration to put out her own album. 

The new album, Blue on Blue, features the expert production of Pierre Marchand (Rufus Wainwright, Sara McLachlin). It is clear that he has a large influence on this album as it is put together brilliantly. The album as a whole glistens with ethereal and lush airy sounds. It is reminiscent of the many light and peppy tunes created with her old band, but enough variations and creativity to make a statement that she is forging out her own sound. One of the largest hurdles the listener will face with this album is comparing it to her previous work. But, the listener after a few listens becomes drawn in with the many catchy choruses created with Nash' voice. 

The album has many solid songs, but the most creative and interesting are located on the first half of the album. the first song leads off with a delicate piano solo that is warm and highlights what we love about Nash voice as she begins singing. It builds intensity with light orchestration, gentle drums, a deep bass and heavenly harmony. 

The second song quickly garners your interest with it leading off with a breathy clarinet that sounds like a pan flute, it creates an interesting twist that I wanted to hear more of in the song. The song builds with an acoustic guitar that chimes in with a strolling rhythm becoming the foundation of the song. Other instruments are added to create depth to the sound. The melodic chorus is easy to sing to and sticks in your brain throughout the day. It harkens the listener to be reminded of the great Stevie Nicks in the overall presentation. 

There is an overall theme of love and relationships throughout the album. Reading that Nash found inspiration while watching her baby boy Henry makes a lot of sense. Also, it is also apparent that her husband is the basis behind many songs. While one could easily claim that the lyrics are allegorical in nature but one has to listen and think about the music to identify it. The reggae like song, My Idea of Heaven, has the most direct references, but it seems to be themed towards her finding joy in a relationship and freedom from her loneliness. But, she also talks about lasting love that is found in heaven that does not disappear. Because of the nature of the album I would classify it as music by a Christian for the general market. Another song with the most spiritual themes immediately follows titled, "Ocean Sized Love." It is a real gem of a tune with an excellent wave washing over you like sound that builds and builds. An electric guitar riff is one of the things that stick out that plays over the deep orchestration on the tune. 

But, my personal favorite seems to be the rocking song, "Between the Lines." The guitar riff just sticks with me and is different with its sweet notes that reverberate. It is the best guitar work on the album and brings a different sound at the mid-point of the album. The bass is infectious along with a guitar solo on the end of the song. The melody is something that could easily be heard on the radio over and over again. A lovely Hammond organ sound also is featured in the song, that initiates your ears for what you will hear through the song. 

Overall, the album is strong start to finish it is filled with excellent writing and creative images. The album is consistently good throughout, no real high peaks or lows throughout. It will easily please people who want to hear some fresh music from Leigh Nash, especially after several listens it will grow on you and infects your brain. It will satisfy both Christian fans and secular alike. 

- 
Robert Blake 
http://www.myspace.com/robthemusician