The ferociously talented charmed her way onto , although initially label head was a bit put off by her tender age. But the 16-year-old with the crystalline voice and powerful pen was determined, relented and ended up co-producing her 1971 debut album alongside her manager . The bulk of the ten-song set was composed by either herself or co-written with her then boyfriend . Invariably romantic themes predominated, so did songs about growing up, as did thoughtful, introspective numbers, with a pair showcasing the artist's youthful sense of fun. But how to market this ferocious talent? As a singer/songwriter? as a folkie? or as a soft-rocker? and never did decide and brought in a group of top-notch musicians to create a set that encompassed all angles. The cutesy that opened the set up as the British ; oddly, though, it wasn't chosen as the single, instead opted for the searching The powerful featured on the flipside, and is one of two bonus tracks included on the reissue. Neither were particularly representative of the album, which leaned in a somewhat folkier direction. The comic book horror of is presented as a medieval ballad, the affecting is more pastoral, features a lovely Western tinge, while dances into a banjo-led, knees-up hoedown. But musically, the album's sole cover, 's is the most astonishing, an epic seven-minute track that slides from into and out into . There are also more lavish numbers, lush with strings and piano. The entire set is carefully crafted, deftly arranged, and beautifully played, while shines throughout. The only complaint one can make is that she tries too much. Intent on perfectly hitting every note, concentrating on her emotive vibrato, working hard on her enunciation, never relaxes a muscle, giving the entire set a rather brittle and forced feel. The difference is crystal clear when you hear her electric performance on the reissue's other bonus track, where she let down her hair with . Now if only she could have brought that sense of excitement to the actual album. Notwithstanding, this is a phenomenal set beautifully showcasing one of Britain's most astonishing talents. ~ Jo-Ann Greene