After a few tracks into
Painting of a Painting, it's clear that
Rachael Sage is a product of every great contemporary female singer/songwriter. She can hit the high notes as well as
Dido or
Paula Cole, achieve angst like
Alanis Morissette, and bring up social issues that
Ani DiFranco (whom she's toured with) would admire.
Sage takes cues from her male counterparts as well, dedicating her third record to the late
Jeff Buckley. An all-star group of session musicians add drama to the New Yorker's already passionate grace, making tracks like "Among All of God's Creatures" and "Undertow" sound like the accompaniment to America's countryside. Lyrics from the classic hit "Ooh Child" officially close the album, only to run into a solemn hidden track. In addition to these fine musings,
Sage runs her own label, paints, and designs clothing, showing that there's nothing this talented woman can't do. ~ Kenyon Hopkin