It’s not often that an artist’s personality shines so brightly by way of her music, but Anne Heaton seems to have mastered the art. On her second solo release, the Chicago native and New York transplant singer-songwriter-pianist offers up an eclectic mix of playful introspection. Heaton’s voice remains at the forefront of the album with its distinct clarity and letter-perfect vibrato.

Syncopated rhythms sprinkle throughout the album with constant interplay between the piano, voice, and percussion. Give In is a must-have for a long overdue road trip. The opening track “Give In to You” wrestles with that familiar fear of vulnerability at the beginning of a relationship (“Well the bell it hardly made a sound as its tower crashed to the ground/and me I had to show you that I could fall down.”). One of the most fun tracks on the album is “Counting”, an upbeat number in cut time dealing with keeping score (“Tears are like snowflakes/I want to catch yours in my hand/study each one and rank its beauty on a scale from one to ten.”). “Hey New York” is yet another track featuring Heaton’s staple playfulness, a tribute to New York and Heaton’s decision to settle there. The track was recorded live and gives the listener a taste of the high energy and charm that keeps devoted fans flocking to her nationwide performances. My personal favorite is “Underdog” though, an addictive song about someone who stacks the odds against himself (“My love that’s why the story is told/so that you don’t grow old stuck in this way of thinking.”).

Anne Heaton’s unique blend of folk and pop with her bright and bold vocals make Give In an album that will make you do just that very thing.

For fans of: Jill Sobule, Ani Difranco, Jonatha Brooke

Visit the official Anne Heaton website: anneheaton.com

Anne Heaton also appeared on Bi the People: A compilation of bisexual artists and friends, a benefit compilation available on VY Records.