Speak for Yourself

Although it took Imogen Heap seven years to follow up her solo debut with 2005's SPEAK FOR YOURSELF, the British vocalist was far from idle during the interim, having formed Frou Frou with producer Guy Sigsworth (Bjork, Seal). While her second album mines a vein similar to Frou Frou's electronica/pop hybrid, it also carries a more sweeping and dynamic singer/songwriter aesthetic. The disc's most notable track is "Hide and Seek," a nearly a cappella tune that was prominently featured on the popular teen drama THE O.C., and presents Heap's bold-yet-breathy vocals lounging on a bed of electronic effects. Other highlights include the glitchy, chiming "Goodnight and Go" and the urgent "Clear the Area," both of which exemplify this assured and intriguing record.