I’m a fan of articulate and melodic singer/songwriters, but I also prefer those who spend their time in the dark shade rather than bright sunlight. Perhaps that’s why I’ve never quite taken to the softer, lighter tones of Suzanne Vega. Could her new album force me to see the light? Well, almost…

The solid rhythmic thrum of opener Zephyr certainly grabbed my attention before that familiar sweet voice makes its entry. There’s a typically strong melody here and some dreamy background vocals (including the voice of our very own KT Tunstall) in a song that sounds typically Vega. The strong rhythmic backdrop returns with the next track Ludlow Street and sustains an even stronger instrumental arrangement. It’s an altogether more contemplative song and actually not bad at all. The stakes are raised with New York Is A Woman with its poetic, plausible lyrics and arguably the strongest melody on the record. Vega has one of those understated, natural, easy voices that is capable of seducing - hell, I think I’m being won over… Most of the songs on the album are very short and sweet with the longest clocking in at 4:43, and that’s kind of refreshing as well. Frank & Ava is a rockier ditty with a much harder overall sound and features ‘our girl’ again on backing vocals. This is the first single and I think I can understand why, but as is the case with so many albums, the first single is never the best song. That honour almost goes to the next song, Edith Wharton’s Figurines with its lovely string moments and wistful ambience.

BEAUTY & CRIME pulls no surprises and happily contains no dreaded fillers. But at the same time it has no real killers either, although the darker Bound (my favourite track), and the upbeat vibe of Unbound come bloody close. Vega fans will love this song collection, and I believe that this is her best album to-date. Have I been converted? Well, almost…

3.5/5