Invinciple Summer

Canada has already given us Celine Dion, but as an apology, they also gave us k.d.lang. The Alberta born Grammy winner has previously concentrated on country flavoured adult rock, but this sees her experimenting with bigger, almost orchestral production values, particularly on the efferfescently poppy 'Summerfling'. All in all, it's a delightfully lounge-y offering, and Kathy Dawn's vocals have never been better. She has an effortless quality to her voice - on the opening verse of 'Extraordinary Thing' she's only just about singing, and the effect is charming, especially when she lets rip on the chorus. While many female singer-songwriters are guilty of concentrating on the downside of the falling-in-love-thing, this artist appears to be still enthralled by the experience: there's a real romance surrounding numbers like 'It's Happening With You' and 'Curiosity'.

Lyrically the album contains several real treats, and anyone who can title a song 'The Consequences Of Falling' has my vote. This is easily lang's most accesible album to date, and will hopefully see her propelled to the megastar status of less deserving talents like Shania Twain. In one word, sumptuous. Couldn't happen to a nicer girl. And I didn't say lesbian once. Oops!