Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

After the success of 'Albertine' and a bit of a break from music, Brooke Fraser set up camp in East West studios in Hollywood to create her best album yet. Already a success stateside and in New Zealand and Australia, even BBC Radio 2 have succumbed to the sheer catchiness and pure pop of "Something In The Water". There are some great collaborations here including the chiming "Betty" which was co-written with Jon Foreman and the gentle, charming "Who Are We Fooling" which features British favourites Aqualung. I love the atmosphere captured on "Ice On Her Lashes" and have to confess that I think I prefer Brooke when she's creating intimate, stylish, vibey ballads than when she is pumping out more upbeat material. So "Crows + Locusts" and the title track are really on the money for me. Brooke Fraser is turning into quite a songwriter and slowly getting the mainstream recognition that she truly deserves. With a beautiful voice, intelligent heartfelt arrangements and perfectly crafted songs, Brooke's career continues on an upward trajectory.

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