:: Sarah Blasko - As Day Follows Night

Sarah Blasko

Sarah Blasko is one of Australia's most likeable singers with endearing and sincere qualities. We should note, firstly, that this third album was achieved without her long-time collaborator Robert F. Cranny. This new record sees Sarah take on an even more hands-on approach. The result is something more exploratory. Swedish producer Bjorn Yttling stepped into the reins along with Sarah and his liking for more expanse and texture has shaped this set of songs well beyond standard instrumentation. They even engaged several Swedish jazz musicians to accompany the vocals. The songs are mostly stripped of previous guitar-based tunes. There are now subtle hooks, piano flourishes and sweeping string arrangements. Sarah still has that touch of sorrow and drama, but it's enhanced with jazz flavours, particularly noticed on songs like “No Turning Back” and the sexy “Bird On A Wire”. Generally speaking, As Day Follows Night showcases Sarah's voice as pitch-perfect and rich with that typical honesty in delivery. Her voice lilts throughout a range of soul-searching songs. The bittersweet and melancholy feelings are apparent and listeners should be well rewarded with the overally cohesion and strength of the album. Sarah Blasko continues to exhibit her class as a singer and songwriter and she has done enough in seeking something slightly more adventurous to perhaps pick up new fans. There is certainly more to Sarah's persona here, with the jazz subtleties and varying arrangements, and her more direct lyrics. Seeing her perform these songs live should enrich us even further about the talent she possesses.