Natalie MerchantParadise is There

Merchant revisits her debut Tigerlily years later, her voice deepened and grainier now, every word carrying more weight. A string quartet, accordion, and saxophone replace the old electric arrangements, wrapping the songs in warmth. 'Carnival' turns wistful and reflective; 'Wonder' soars with even more emotional gravity than before. Gail Ann Dorsey adds harmony vocals that float just behind hers. Like watching someone reread their own diary aloud, wiser and unhurried. Sit close and let it wash over you.