Reviewed by Simon Eden

If you still think of Nicki as the ex-member of Shine, forget it. She moved on from such music a long time ago. As Cross Rhythms said in 2002, "this is a million miles from teen pop". This 2009 album is grown up intelligent piano-led pop in Fiona Apple or Norah Jones territory, with the lady moving away from the more direct songs of faith that she recorded for Alliance Music. "You Loved Me" has verses that are gentle and reflective, building in a mountain climb of a crescendo to a power ballad. A great song which has been selected for Cross Rhythms radio airplay. "Once In A While" has a distant piano with haunting vocals in her Tori Amos style that sing of the fire that comes to the soul. The maturity comes out in the duet "29 Years" reflecting on the struggles of holding a relationship together, and looking to a hope of 29 more years that are worth fighting for. 'Sleeping Giant' is the exception of the album with its guitar rock sounding more like her second album 'Homebound'. Some of the tracks such as 'I Will Not Let Go' or 'There Is A Light' have such strength that they would be well placed as the theme tune to a popular US TV series or film. Send a copy to the producers of Grey's Anatomy someone.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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