The Big Picture

Singer Kat Edmonson belongs to that class of vocalists who are simultaneously modern yet lost in the vintage pop of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Her girlish purr hangs lightly in the air on her third album, as producer Mitchell Froom builds concise pre-rock pop arrangements that recall John Barry, Ennio Morricone, and Henry Mancini. It’s nearly an understatement to say that matters of the heart are the overruling lyrical theme throughout. Writing 11 of the 12 songs, Edmonson plays desperate lovers in uneven relationships on the Portishead-like “Rainy Day Woman,” the orchestral “You Can’t Break My Heart,” and the Beach Boys–esque “Crying.” And the anger rages when she becomes the mocking ex-lover on “You Said Enough.” Yet these are balanced by giddy celebrations like “Oh My Love,” the intimate “All the Way,” and the teasing “Till We Start to Kiss” (which has a fresh breeze of tropical exotica). Yes, pop standards usually deal with love—yet the sly lyricism, strong melodies, and sonic depth here are an excellent new addition to this time-tested formula.