On
Mary Lambert's third EP and first release after her 2014 debut LP, the Seattle singer/songwriter delivers another heartfelt and emotional collection with
Bold. Once again,
Lambert draws upon influences like
Tori Amos and
Sarah McLachlan and merges their styles with those of contemporaries like
Sara Bareilles and
Colbie Caillat. The mounting emotions and vulnerability make
Bold at once comforting and overwhelming, depending on the listener's emotional state. Never one to shy away from deep thoughts,
Lambert delivers a seven-minute, mostly spoken word confessional on "Lay Your Head Down," which is a series of stream-of-consciousness observations that start with the phrase "I cry because...." Harking back to her 2013 EP opener, "Body Love, Pt. 1," the song showcases both
Lambert's adorable wit and relatable worry. It's little wonder her live shows are known to inspire a steady flow of tears and catharsis. Elsewhere on the EP,
Lambert enlists a trio of producers to add their pop touch to
Bold. The bright synth pop of "Hang Out with You" recalls late-era
Tegan and Sara, co-written with
Michelle Chamuel (who also contributes a remix as her alter ego,
the Reverb Junkie).
Tobias Karlsson puts his touch on "Know Your Name," a big pop/rock number that sounds like
Bareilles fronting an empowering
Kelly Clarkson anthem. The endearing "I'd Be Your Wife" -- a pure acoustic ditty co-written with
Toby Gad -- swells with a sweetness bound to send it to countless wedding playlists. The de facto closer comes with "Love Is Love," a spiritual sequel to "She Keeps Me Warm" performed with
Lambert's mother,
Mary Kay. It's a touching mother-daughter moment and perfect way to end an EP that finds a way to express a myriad of emotions. ~ Neil Z. Yeung
![Liberman [Deluxe Edition]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0821826011236_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "Liberman [Deluxe Edition]")
![Few Small Repairs [20th Anniversary Edition]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0889854485320_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Few Small Repairs [20th Anniversary Edition]")
