1. San Andreas Fault
Although this is a grown-up album, this is an excellent lullaby. Sweet and melodic, it is a first-person telling the listener about how wonderful they are, and how much life holds for them.

2. Wonder
This one is sort of a reverse-lullaby. She sings it from the perspective of a baby in a crib. Doctors come and marvel at the "Wonder". Mom comes, picks her up and holder her up declares, "This child will be gifted".

3. Beloved Wife
This song should not be heard by anyone being treated for depression, especially if it is related to losing a loved one.

4. River
River Phoenix died prior to this album, and the loss resulted in this further requiem sequel to "Beloved Wife". If you want to convince a shrink that you need anti-depressants, just listen to these two songs for a couple of hours. You will be convincing.

5. Carnival
This song does something to explain the hubris of the "X" generation. A 20-something with a head full of liberal education, observing the crowded metropolis and seeing little more than a carnival of absurdity.

6. I May Know the Word
This is another song with insight into the "X" generation, for which Natalie has become somewhat of a balladeer. It laments the frequent necessity of restraint, when you want to say or do something. Slow and melodic, it is a sweetie of a tune.

7. The Letter
This is a forgettable, short song. A ditty, if you will.

8. Cowboy Romance
As a Texan, I found this song unappealing. The musical quality is mechanical, and the lyrics are targeted at someone else - a NYC club girl with a tingly feeling for bad boys.

9. Jealousy
This song is reminiscent of Alanis Morrisette's song, "You Oughtta Know". It is about that dirty feeling that comes from seeing an ex-lover with their new flame. The musical quality as a fine, light rock quality - decent for dancing.

10. Where I Go
This is another forgettable song - but only musically. Lyrically, as is her strength, it paints a Chekhov-type of picture of a travel through natural landscape.

11. Seven Years
When you are a twenty-something - seven years is an era. This song showcases that perspective. In the context of a love that is found, blooms, blossoms and dies. It is a first-awakening of the mortality of all things.

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I would like to take one more opportunity to warn those who are under a doctor's care for depression to NOT listen to this album, and even the healthy should not listen too much.

Instrumentally, the melodic harmonies and light rock chords are truly delightful - but the lyrics! The lyrics must have come straight from the center of a tortured soul.


Recommended:
Yes

Great Music to Play While: Reading or Studying