Lisa Hannigan

Irish singer Lisa Hannigan's Sea Sew doesn't sound like the debut album that it is. Not surprising, considering her experience. After seven years of collaborating with and singing backup for Damien Rice (as well as vocal contributions for The Frames and Herbie Hancock), she's put out a collection of her own. Hannigan's voice moves fluidly from hushed to dramatic orchestral pop, sometimes simply breathing and playing with sounds, as in "Venn diagram." "Ocean and a Rock" is a long-distance love song, while "I don't know" is a refreshingly romantic invitation. Hannigan's writing is at once charming, confessional and assured.