Wreck of the Day [Expanded]

1	Breathe (2 AM) 4:40
2	Citadel 2:46
3	Paper Bag 3:27
4	Wreck of the Day 4:06
5	Satellite 4:00
6	Forever Love (Digame) 3:17
7	In the Rough 4:09
8	In My Head 4:07
9	Bleed 3:57
10	Catalyst 3:39
11	Consider This 3:43
12	Wreck of the Day 4:11
13	Drink Me Demo Version 3:03
14	Soldier Demo Version 5:19
15	More Than Melody Demo Version 2:36

Barnes & Noble

Although she's barely out of her teens, this California-bred singer-songwriter exudes a maturity -- both as an artist and, seemingly, as a person -- worthy of a woman who's been through the wringer a few times. Nalick conveys that attitude without slipping into stagy world-weariness; she simply shares tales of vulnerability and loneliness, like the dreamy "Breathe (2 A.M.)" -- which gained the young chanteuse early exposure when it was featured on the CBS drama Joan of Arcadia -- in a manner all but guaranteed to elicit empathy. Wreck of the Day showcases several stylistic sides, from the slinky, beckoning guitar-rock of "Citadel" to the more austere balladry of the waltz-time "In My Head." While she's definitely a cerebral performer -- Tori Amos comes to mind as the closest touchstone -- Nalick also has a well-developed rhythmic sensibility, as she proves while leaning into the pulsing bass line of "Catalyst." Admittedly, her allegories of isolation and feeling like a misfit can make you wish for a silly dance tune after a while, but Nalick's knack for changing up the sonics keep Wreck of the Day from seeming monochromatic -- and make repeated listens an unexpectedly rewarding experience. David Sprague

All Music Guide

It's not often that a brilliant young singer gets to work with her chief influences on her first shot out of the park, but Anna Nalick's irresistible blend of crisply poetic lyrics, haunting melodies, rich sense of harmony, and ethereal ambience merits nothing less. On the rock side, she grew up a huge fan of Blind Melon, and former members Christopher Thorn and Brad Smith produce her debut with Eric Rosse -- best known for his work with another obvious inspiration, Tori Amos. As strong a presence as she creates as an artist on airy, symphonic piano-based instant hits like "Breathe (2 AM)" and the mournful, country-flavored title track, she is hindered slightly by over-production on rockers like "Citadel" and "In the Rough." "Citadel" has a cool, dark-toned Fiona Apple vibe, but its powerful guitar textures and trippy sound effects obscure Nalick's precious voice, which is better served by more subtle surroundings, as on another standout, "Forever Love." To her credit, Nalick seems game for both approaches, and will probably score numerous hits with each style, but it's a shame anytime a voice like that is obscured for even a moment. Despite this, she is a rare new shining star in the realm of female singer/songwriters, a deserving heir to the thrones of Amos and Apple. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide