Colorado singer-songwriter Edie Carey and her Wyoming-based musical partner, Sarah Sample have released their long-awaited second album Lantern in the Dark: Songs of Comfort and Lullabies. Across this 12-song collection, the seasoned singer-songwriters address the dual surreality of both giving life and losing it, and they navigate rarefied territory, yielding a collection of masterfully-written, emotive originals and novel, openhearted approaches to songs from the canon. These songs will just as easily soothe a child into sleep as they will provide solace for a grieving heart, at any age. The duo’s 2014 release “‘Til The Morning” also won NAPPA Awards.
Evaluation comments:
“Gorgeous. If there is one word to sum up this album, it is: gorgeous. The Colorado-based Edie Carey and the Wyoming-based Sarah Sample first partnered for the terrific ‘Til the Morning a decade ago, and they have re-teamed to create these exquisitely craftly songs that are guaranteed to touch your heart. This is not a kids album, per se. This is music that all ages can respond to. Lantern in the Dark’s 12 tunes provoke a feeling of comfort and joy while providing a sense of soothing compassion to the listener. Carey’s and Sample’s voices blend together wonderfully, and the subdued instrumental accompaniment perfectly compliment their vocals. Seven of the 12 songs are originals, and it’s hard to pick out favorites because they all feel part of the whole. However, the opening track, “I’m Here” totally conveys the album’s heartfelt tone, and “In My Arms” (their first ever co-write) delivers a powerful expression of love. Meanwhile, the five cover songs (the Beatles’ “Blackbird,” Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” Bob Dylan’s “To Make You Feel My Love,” Wilco’s “My Darling,” and James Taylor’s “You Can Close Your Eyes”) fit seamlessly with Carey and Sample’s own tunes. Lantern In The Dark certainly is perfect for nighttime or naptime, but this enchanting album works its chill-out magic during those major stress moments (whether you are an adult or child).”
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