ncapsulating the kind of acoustic singer/songwriter vibe worshiped by the likes of Radio 2, Lisa Miskovsky should have no trouble in finding an audience with Fallingwater, a collection of listenable if fairly inoffensive pop songs. Indeed, "Lady Stardust" became a huge airplay hit in the U.K. and around Europe, thanks to its summery strummed guitar sound that isn't a million miles away from the likes of KT Tunstall. It isn't the only highlight. "Take Me by the Hand" is a gorgeous country ballad that showcases Miskovsky's vocal warmth, and the uplifting "Joan of Arc" is full of sparkling pop melodies. If only the rest of the album contained as much passion and as much promise. Tracks like "Sing to Me" and "Sweet Dreams" are the kind of bland '70s-inspired AOR that washes over you, leaving little impression and making you long for something a little edgier. Indeed, as Miskovsky is apparently a death metal fan, you would expect something a little more rock-oriented, but only on the k.d. lang-inspired "Midnight Sun" does she get the chance to show off this side that was much more evident on her self-titled debut. And considering she's such an accomplished songwriter for hire, it's surprising how lazy some of the lyrics are, particularly on "A Brand New Day" ("Hey hey hey hey, it's a brand new day"). Miskovsky is a talented vocalist and an obviously gifted musician (she plays most of the instruments here), and there are several flashes of ingenuity. But Fallingwater sometimes displays a lack of originality and personality that would set her apart from her contemporaries. [This edition features two bonus tracks.] Jon O'Brien.
Lady Stardust (4:42) Brand New Day (3:44) Sing To Me (4:35) You Dance Just Like Me (3:14) Sweet Dreams (3:18) One Dark Night (4:43) Midnight Sun (3:47) Butterfly Man (4:47) Restless Heart (5:22) Joan Of Arc (5:05) Take Me By The Hand (3:54) Back To Stoneberry Road (3:04) Shells (4:56) Please Forgive Me (5:37)