Photo by: www.missyhiggins.com

Although fans will most likely approve of Missy Higgins’ sophomore album, On a Clear Night, it is clear her artistic direction merely shifted sideways a bit instead of pushing her abilities forward. The echo left in our ears after The Sound of the White is that of an Australian woman gifted at writing her own lyrics, driving melancholy and deep piano chords, and using her unique voice to capture a surprised audience.

?This second album begins with the Dido-esque tune, “Where I Stood,” which uses Higgins’ familiar piano and vocal combination to engage the listener and make them wonder if she has progressed with her style at all.B However, more tracks reveal that although she has switched up the delicate and poignant piano tunes for a more acoustic, earthy vibe on most of her songs, lyrically Higgins’ has gone hardly anywhere original. ?The unique and gripping tone of Higgins’ voice places her above her contemporaries such as Colbie Caillat or Sara Bareilles, but something in the lyrical cliché or redundant sound on tracks likeB “100 Round The Bends,” “Sugarcane,” or “Steer” put this album dangerously close to a sophomore slump.

Sadly, the closest follow up to the charming and entertaining “Scars” is a flatter attempt “Peachy,” where hollow lyrics and a less appealing beat make it easy to resist clapping or singing along. However, a different sound really works on songs like “Angelina”. A well-selected mandolin, takes the place where a fragile, heartfelt piano might have been on The Sound of the White. Other standouts include “Warm Whispers” and “The Wrong Girl.” ?Higgins takes us back to her older sound on songs like “Going North” and “Forgive Me” with a melancholy and reflective tone that compliments the magnetic sound of Higgins’ voice. Again, she accompanies these with a more acoustic sound then her previous reliance on evocative piano. Although the weaker lyrics are apparent in this album over The Sound of the White, a lingering luster remains on some tracks. “Going North” holds the listener when Higgins reveals she wants to travel “Up where the hunted hide with ease/ Under the arms of eye-less trees/ Up where the answers fall like leaves/ Oh and your love is all I need.” ?

While some fans may reminisce over Higgins’ transition from piano/vocal inspired melodies to an acoustically laden feel, one might still say this album satisfies the craving for a uniquely melodious listen. ?

Overall rating: 2 out of 5 Boones