Once again I have to admit my musical ignorance: although New Yorker Rachael Sage has already put out 8 records with "Chandelier", I (unfortunately) hadn't heard of her until now.

Rachael Sage lists as her biggest influences Elvis Costello and also John Lee Hooker, whom she actually personally knew. But listening to "Chandelier" I hear similarities to the American singer Jewel and also the German band Luna Luna -- a similar combination, I know...

It's hard to put Rachael Sage's album into one genre. All the songs are poppy and catchy, some are jazzy and swing-like ("Moonlight and Fireflies") some have a hint of torchsong ("Hunger in John"), some are trademark American singer/songwriter, there are several ballads, and "Beloved" is a gorgeous instrumental piece ... but all the songs are "the American way", the closest comparision being Jewel's most recent albums.

On her Myspace page curious readers can hear both "Vertigo" - somewhat darker - and "Angel In My View" - cheerful and playful - and both are representative of "Chandelier" ... a beautiful and interesting album, that I wish would find commercial success over here.