Since her debut self released disc in 2000, Canadian Whiteley has slowly but steadily increased her profile through touring, a couple of Juno Awards and most importantly high quality songwriting and performances. ‘Dear’ is her third album, and one that shows the development and ability of a very fine folk-roots/Americana singer/songwriter. Her sound has that identifiable Canadian edge, whether it’s the phrasing or the instrumental sound there’s something that marks this as an obvious Canadian release; it’s controlled and a little subdued with sympathetic production – it gives it a timeless air and it feels like it could have been recorded anytime in the past 50 years.
This approach gives the emotional songs real impact, and this is a disc full of well written songs that hit home with the listener, ‘Indoor Lighting’ and ‘When It Rains I Pour’ are both perfect examples; and ‘You’re the One’ is a beautiful love song that it is superbly written and performed, it’s heartfelt and sincere without any ‘mush’ – a real feat!. The pace is varied with a number of real toe-tappers including ‘Banjo Girl’ and ‘Yellow Couch’ giving the album a good variety of songs and styles across the dozen tracks.
There’s a dark theme running through the album that is accentuated by the use of instrumentation, quiet electric guitars give the songs a brooding edge that is lightened by subtle use of acoustic guitar, mandolin and pedal steel amongst a range of other instrumental textures.
Jenny Whiteley deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the very best roots/Americana singer/songwriters; her intelligent, well written songs, controlled vocals and thoughtful arrangements mark her out as one to watch out for. Highly recommended.

Track listing
1 Indoor Lightning
2 Banjo Girl
3 Unsung
4 Heart of Gold
5 Write Me Away
6 Take Your Time and Do It Right
7 Other Side Of Life
8 Yellow Couch
9 Four Storey Story
10 You're The One
11 Every Minute That You're In It
12 When It Rains I Pour

£13.49