Say Goodbye

iTunes Review

This time out, this Pacific Northwest-rooted singer/songwriter moves away from the brooding folk sounds of her debut album towards a soul-pop sound at once sophisticated and innocent in feel. A part of Sufjan Stevens’ circle of talented oddballs, Janes has become adept at writing homespun hymns using simple, heartfelt language and warmly flowing melodies. A deeply abiding faith lends an underlying strength to the subdued musings of tracks like “Up from Down,” “Who Will Take Care” and “Time & Space.” Janes is a formalist of the old school; “Trees” in particular has the sweetly chaste quality of a 19th-century parlor ballad. Balancing such prim tendencies are softly sensual numbers like “Anchor,” an airy groove tune that recalls the sparkle and flutter of Minnie Riperton. Janes uses these musical settings to offer prayers and hosannas celebrating the Lord’s creations. Caressing brass, chiming keyboards and softly insistent percussion compliment her vocals. Say Goodbye provides an excellent chance to say hello to this whimsical yet compelling artist.