Portrait of Carrie

Perhaps her most characteristically varied outing, ' fourth album ranges in tone from the jovial light of to the serene (a duet with her frequent musical friends ) to the chipper It is clear throughout that solid production doesn't hurt in spicing up ' vocals, which are consistently understated. Simultaneously, her lack of theatrics set her apart from the flock of '70s and '80s female divas and contribute an unmistakable uniqueness to the arrangements. The fact that regularly served co-writing duties also gives her a distinction in the pack; and she is equally at home in dance and settings. Besides the previously mentioned tracks, a remix of 1977's is particularly notable: a great hook and clever production make it heaven. is a close second to the vocalist's follow-up, . ~ Justin M. Kantor