This is Canadian McGraff's third album, but her first since 1997, and it's likely she will be a new name to many listeners (and especially those in the UK). Like many North American singer/songwriters she blurs the boundaries between genres and draws from many different areas, there's an obvious country influence here and her work is probably best described as being similar to Lucy Kaplansky and Gretchen Peters.
She's a fine vocalist with a clear communicative voice that is equally at home with the simple storytelling of 'Life Lines' as it is with the fuller more produced sound of the title track.
Of the 14 songs all but one were written or co-written by McGraff and over the course of the album she proves herself to be a strong writer of contemporary country/pop songs as well as a fine vocalist - the tracks are varied in both pace and style but above all they're listenable, memorable and instantly enjoyable.
'Outside of the Circle' is an excellent modern singer-songwriter/country album that mixes subtle pop sensibilities with heartfelt lyrics, and is an album that will appeal to many thanks to Tia's superb vocals and the instant appeal of the melodies and arrangements.

£13.49