Album: Paloma Faith, Fall to Grace (RCA)

Leaving behind the retro stylings of her debut, Paloma Faith has hooked up with producer Nellee Hooper to develop her undeniable talents in more modern directions.

On opener, "Picking Up the Pieces", they use an intriguing percussion bed and keening backing vocals to lend distinction to the string arrangement. Elsewhere, a cover of Bettye LaVette's "Let Me Down Easy" rides an understated modern shuffle, while the vulnerable plaint "Just Be" relies on the lonely nobility of Ed Harcourt's piano. The results evoke the fellowship of the emotionally bruised in a variety of ways.

Download: Picking Up the Pieces; 30 Minute Love Affair; Let Me Down Easy