The Other Side

Album Review

Anya Singleton calls her record label Hybrid Music Productions, which turns out to be a good indication of her eclectic and evolving musical style. The Other Side is her first full-length album after two six-song EPs, and the disc traces a musical development played out in New York clubs. Early on, Singleton was more of an interpretive singer in a sophisticated pop style, one who could, as she did on her second EP, Not Easy to Forget, turn out a smoky version of the standard "The Nearness of You" that would have been appropriate for a tony club like the Café Carlyle. Then, it seemed that she might be marketed as another Norah Jones, and she was even categorized as a jazz singer. Some of that aspect remains on The Other Side, notably on the songs "Sandcastles" and "Farewell." But Singleton, who co-wrote all 11 tunes with Michael Aarons and Antoan Salih Towe, also rocks out on such tracks as "Don't Tell Me," "Replaceable," and "Nevermore," performances that are more suggestive of Alanis Morissette. Throughout, she is an expressive singer with a bluesy, soulful approach that sometimes echoes Joan Osborne ("Wake Up") and sometimes Bonnie Raitt ("Stop This Train"). Clearly, however, she is talented enough as a singer and songwriter, and she is growing as an artist so fast, that comparisons to others are likely to be inadequate soon. Fans of adult pop/rock should take note.