Sugar Sweet

Rachel Goodrich’s self-titled sophomore album just my be the finest work yet in her rather young musical career. Still riding off bright reviews from 2008’s Tinker Box, Goodrich takes fans on a playful yet powerfully mature ride this round. The 38-minute release packs a sugar-coated pop punch, but her eclectic spirit is filled with an overly impressive vocal range that is richly layered in texture.

Kicking things off is “Na Na Na,” which plays to Goodrich’s free-spirited rollicking and innocent side. With track titles like “Popsicles,” “Let Me Go,” and “I Fell In Love,” it’s easy to see Goodrich’s mix of fairytale dreams of adolescence and the reality of life as an adult. “Morning Light” quickly proves to be one of the album’s highlights, smart in layering and playful to match with a retro sound that is imaginative lyrically as well as musically.

However, the clear winner is “Easier Said Than Done,” bringing the entangled love song to a place where you find yourself smiling through it. Goodrich’s playful side incorporates many sorts of musical instruments, from a trombone to a ukulele while throwing in a bit of a kazoo, all the while turning it into her own style.

Goodrich’s musical juxtaposition of deeply airy music is perfect in it’s genuine quality. Her self-titled album is definitely one that should be included in every summer playlist.