In the 1990s,
Kristina Olsen didn't enjoy as much hype or publicity as
Sarah McLachlan, Jewel,
Shawn Colvin or
Ani DiFranco, but make no mistake: she provided some of the decade's most rewarding folk-pop. The singer/songwriter lived up to the promise of her debut album on her excellent sophomore effort,
Love, Kristina, which was recorded when she was 35. Though the influence of
Joni Mitchell and
Judy Collins can be heard throughout this CD,
Olsen never goes out of her way to emulate either of them. The Californian is very much her own person, and she's quite recognizable herself on original songs that range from the topical "Keeping This Life of Mine (Song for Battered Women)" and the poignant "Little Failings" to the moving "The Power of Loving You" (an ode to a gay friend). Variety is the rule on this CD, and
Olsen successfully brings jazz influences to her folk-pop foundation on the angular "Lucky," the playful, Peggy Lee-ish "Live Man in the Dead of Night," and the sad, remorseful "This Bed of Ours." Those who appreciate singer/songwriters should make a point of obtaining
Love, Kristina. ~ Alex Henderson