Charlotte Martin
On Your Shores
2004 / RCA Records

When AvoidPeril interviewed Charlotte Martin in June, she let us know that her upcoming album On Your Shores would have a much fuller sound than her previous EP.  The album does indeed boast a much richer tone, as many tracks feature strings, guitar and bass, drums, and even some samples and synthesizer work.  The most effective instrument on this CD, however, is Charlotte Martin's own voice -- at times lilting, sometimes quiet and sometimes forceful, it is always captivating, beautiful, and poignant. 
 

Martin is a classically trained vocalist, and the best moments of On Your Shores are when her voice is front and center.  The title track of the album, "Your Armor," and "Up All Night" all highlight Martin's breathtaking soprano.  The lyrics on the album nicely compliment her vocal range, as there are devastating emotional lows and soaring, euphoric highs amidst the declarations of love, promise, and hope.

Martin's lyrics tend to be a bit verbose, as they navigate the landscapes of love and relationships.  But there are more than a few times where her words are particularly affecting.  On "Beautiful Life," she adopts the weary voice of a woman who is wiser from experience as she sings that "You can't make the snow fall in summer / Or make him not want her / And not leave you behind."  It's lyrical moments like these that give Martin an edge over other singer-songwriters.

The bonus track on On Your Shores, a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses," is (unsurprisingly) quite dramatic and ethereal, but it's also a nice reference to her live performances, where she regularly performs covers, accompanying herself on the piano. 

In addition to picking up On Your Shores, I highly recommend making it a priority to see Charlotte Martin in concert.  She will be touring to support the release of this album -- you'll find her funny and friendly, and I can guarantee that you'll be blown away by her talent.

-- JN, 09/06/04