is a stark stunner, a great leap forward for . Vocals here are more forthright and assured than on her debut and exhibit a remarkable level of subtle expressiveness. Guitar alone is used in accompaniment, and the variety of playing approaches and sounds gotten here is most impressive. a protest song that imaginatively compares the Vietnam-era warmongering U.S. government to a bitter friend, dispenses with instrumental accompaniment altogether. The sketches presented of lovers by turns depressive ( ), roguish ( ), and faithless ( ) are vividly memorable. Forthright lyrics about the unsureness of new love ( ), misuse of the occult ( ), and mental illness ( ) are very striking. 's classic and respectively receive energetically vibrant and warmly thoughtful performances. Imaginatively unusual and subtle harmonies abound here, never more so in her body of work than on the remarkable which sets floridly impressionistic lyrics to a lovely tune that is supported by perhaps the most remarkably sophisticated chord sequence in all of music. 's riveting self-portrait on the album's cover is a further asset. This essential release is a must-listen. ~ David Cleary