This, Karlzen’s fifth album blurs the lines between country, singer/songwriter and pop making it a tricky album to describe – thankfully, one listen is all you need to convince you that it’s a stunning collection of songs that have an instant appeal as well as smart lyrics.
She’s a singer/songwriter in the Aimee Mann & John Hiatt mould with a similar eye for detail in her songs matched with a great ear for an instantly rewarding melody (the comparison with Mann is apt, as ‘The Wanderlust Diaries’ has a similar feel to Mann’s classic album ‘Whatever’, albeit with a slightly more country feel).
Once the first track is out of the way (an oddly placed, short piano piece) the album finds its feet and it passes by in an instant as it moves from highlight to highlight – this is a disc with little or no filler, and every track is memorable.
The twelve songs,10 originals 2 covers, read like a troubadour’s scrapbook with glimpses into relationships, experiences and events; it’s obvious that most of these are based on personal experience.
There are so many strong songs that it’s easy to find a different favourite on each listen, but over a few months listening the real standouts are ‘Friends Along the Way’, a beautiful piece about the singer/songwriter’s life; ‘Find Yourself’ is a great country/rock full of hooks and great musical backing; and ‘Skyway’ which is dreamy and effortless with a superb acoustic backing.
The songs are expanded with the liner notes where Mary has added a ‘diary’ piece about each song which puts it firmly in context and gives the listener an unusual insight into the songs – it’s a great idea that is well implemented and adds a tremendous amount to the overall package.
In the ideal world this disc would have massive appeal; singer/songwriter fans will love the intelligent lyrics, the superb band drive the songs perfectly, Mary’s vocals are clear, strong and easy to enjoy, and all 12 songs are full of hooks that will grab every listener. It is, however, likely to remain a relatively undiscovered gem, don’t miss out!

Track listing
1 For One Moment
2 Straws
3 Skyway
4 Oh My
5 Show Me
6 Jump
7 Find Yourself
8 Heart of Saturday Night
9 Friends Along the Way
10 Stupid or Something
11 Sixteen
12 Stay Forever

£13.49