Retro-soul singer and songwriter was performing at a store opening when she caught the attention of , 's second wife. Through , then , the San Diego native met studio lifer , whose varied career as a side musician, leader, songwriter, and producer dates back to the late '60s. signed on with 's label, which led to a deal with and sessions that involved R&B giant and collaborator , among others. 's approach is similar to those of fellow "old souls" like , and , though it is ultimately as distinctive as any of the three. On her traditionally styled debut, -- for which she co-wrote every song -- she retraces the steps of a broken relationship in relation to learning from faults and moving on. The prevalence of ballads among the 13 songs can be fatiguing, but almost every selection has a distinguishing detail or two, whether it's a sly nod to a classic hip-hop artist, an unexpected place takes her dynamic voice, or some clever expression of heartache. Some verses are brilliantly written and elegantly phrased, such as the third one of "Gold": "I see the reel, now it's real to me/I gave up gold for grains of sand slipping through my hand." isn't the only big name who is involved. The production "Only Love," which has all the cinematic tension and release necessary for a James Bond theme, was made with an all-star cast that includes drummer , bassist , and a load of . For all the finely crafted ballads that recall mid- to late-'60s soul, it's "Mistakes" that stands out most. It's a midtempo mover that has hints of the early-'70s proto-disco variants that came from labels like , coated in a little Southern grit. ~ Andy Kellman