Ex- poet 's first solo album, released after her creative partnership with sailed away on a floe, carries on in the tradition of her past work. For fans who wanted , , to be given more time in the spotlight, should be worth the wait. 's breathy, labyrinthine spoken word verses here -- heavy on romantic matters while allowing plenty of time for introspection and casually uplifting material -- stretch out in a low-key but stimulating way. The woman can hold her own. That said, the three cuts featuring guest vocalists -- ( ), ), and the particularly excellent silken quiet storm of ) -- just happen to be the brightest spots. ~ Andy Kellman