Initially marketed as a country artist, Kim Richey is a marvelous, nimble singer and a gifted writer of hooky, inviting melodies and crafty lyrics that effectively mix heartbreak with a plucky refusal to allow adversity to triumph. Thought of as too jangly and Anglophilic for Nashville to understand, let alone sell, Richey opened her career with a trio of acclaimed albums; the third, Glimmer, had over the years been slagged by certain critical voices for its sleek production. But now, twenty years later, Richey has re-recorded that album's songs with more acoustic-centered arrangements with producer Doug Lancio. This simpler production style doesn't necessarily add more power to her melodies or improved clarity to her words. "Come Around," "Good at Secrets" "Hello Old Friend," and "Can't Lose them All," are too well-crafted, lyrically astute and melodically appealing to be spoiled no matter the production. These versions are more relaxed, and folkier—not better, just different. If there's audible difference, it's in the added wisdom in her new vocals. This is a rare example of an artist getting a second chance to re-record an album she thought she could improve on. Nice work if you can get it. © Robert Baird/Qobuz