When it was released in the summer of 2008,
Francesca Battistelli's
My Paper Heart garnered attention in CCM circles because of "I'm Letting Go," a single that sounded like a B-side to
Sara Bareilles' ubiquitous "Love Song," an adult contemporary hit at the time. It seemed like an opportunistic move on the part of her handlers, but
Battistelli was no copycat: the rest of
My Paper Heart positioned her as an up-and-coming singer/songwriter in her own right, a youthful songstress with a smoky, soulful voice -- much like a younger, faith-based version of
Fiona Apple or
Rachael Yamagata.
Battistelli's dealings aren't quite as somber and jazzy as those singers' -- she does, after all, operate within the confines of Christian music, where a certain degree of exuberance is almost required -- but she is heartfelt and transparent in her delivery. Her warmth and her aptitude in adopting various sensibilities -- soft R&B, piano pop, balladry -- render
Battistelli a talent to watch in years to come.~ Andree Farias