Albertine

iTunes Review

In Christian music circles, Brooke Fraser is best known for composing “None But Jesus,” “Hosanna,” and other praise songs recorded by Hillsong United. On her own, this New Zealand native takes an introspective folk-rock direction, rendering her tunes in a thoughtful, slightly melancholy manner reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan or Paula Cole. “Shadowfeet,” “C.S. Lewis Song,” and “Seeds” express her moodier side, underscored by the percolating rhythms driving the tracks. Her painterly lyric approach frames personal details in the context of grander truths — songs like “Deciphering Me” and “Love is Waiting” are both intimate and deeply spiritual. Albertine’s production favors rippling acoustic guitars and stately pianos to showcase Fraser’s closely-miked vocals. A few tracks — notably “Hosea’s Wife” and “Love, Where is Your Fire?” — place her in a more dramatic setting. The classically-tinged “Hymn” closes the album on a note of simple reverence. Overall, Albertine is an admirable example of an artist reaching for a larger audience without straining her talents or compromising her faith.