Caroline created a real stir with her debut album ‘Twilight’ in 2001, receiving ‘Best New Artist’ awards and deserved critical success on the strength of the disc. The follow-up album ‘Wellspring’ is here, and it takes the intelligent country/folk of the first disc and improves on it in every respect – this is a disc certain to create an even bigger impact.
She’s a compelling writer, the songs chronicle the everyday lives of people in the American South in a similar way to artists such as Pierce Pettis and Kate Campbell, and like these artists she packs atmosphere, detail and character into her stories, and creates pictures so vivid the songs really transport the listener into the narrative.
Obviously strong lyrics only work if the musical accompaniment is appropriate, and here her understated mix country and folk with a hint of bluegrass is perfect; it’s never too strident, but has enough instrumental variety and dynamics to engage the listener throughout the 11 tracks. It’s an album that's not too showy, there’s an air of class running through the disc, from the excellent guitar work of Rich Brotherton, right through to the wonderful backing vocals from Kelly Willis.
Her own vocals complete the picture, and she’s certainly a striking singer – she has the slightest hint of a Southern drawl to her voice, but she never over does it, and it feels authentic rather than affected; her voice is beautiful, distinct and versatile, and perfect for delivering this style of song.
‘Wellspring’ is full of impressive songs and almost any could be picked out as highlights, but the three track sequence of ‘Magnolias’, ‘Colorado Woman’ and ‘Mistress’ in the middle of the disc is outstanding – all three are lyrically, vocally and musically strong, and they capture the overall feel of the disc.
This is a wonderful singer/songwriter album in every respect – it’s subtle, sophisticated, articulate and genuine, and it sounds exactly how you’d want a singer/songwriter disc from the American South to sound. Essential.

£13.49