Jonatha Brooke-Ten Cent Wings (1997, acoustic folkie singer)

Building on the promise that she created with The Story, Jonatha Brooke continues to dangle on the edge of stardom. "Ten Cent Wings" was the album that convinced me that Jonatha was a huge talent, and everytime her tour brings her to my city, I make sure to get tickets.
Jonatha may not be well known yet, but her following is growing. In Boston and Philadelphia she attracts quite a crowd to her show, and as word spreads, she seems to pick up more fans. As of now, most of America is probably more familiar with her jingle word for major tire companies ('Serious freedom...goodyear, goodyear') but all it will take is a spot on the Lilith Fair to give her the exposure she needs to break out. (I was a big fan of Sarah McLachlan back in 1992, and look where SHE got!) Some of her songs have actually made it onto the soundtracks of shows like Ally McBeal and Party of Five, so somebody somewhere recognizes this talent.
Jonatha has expanded her style of song on this album a bit. The "singles" on her new album feature more guitars, such as in "Crumbs" which is one of the songs you'll be singing along to in no time. "Secrets and Lies" opens the album, and is powerful and moving, allowing Jonatha to show off her full and layered vocal range. The album also includes songs like "Annie" and "10 Cent Wings" which are more in the style of her work with Jennifer Kimball from The Story, yet they show off how much she has matured as an artist and songwriter.
I highly recommend this album. I think its easily the best album released in 1997. If you're sick of the packaged artists like Alanis Morisette, or your kids are driving you nuts listening to Britney Spears, you might want to go back to the days when Joni Mitchell ruled the airwaves. Jonatha successfully combines folk with rock n' roll, and deserves the title of best female songwriter today. Shawn Colvin and Sarah McLachlan fans will approve. Don't let this little gem escape you...it promises to be one of the best finds ever.(Amazon review)