Lauren Hoffman - Megiddo (Deluxe) (1997/2021)

It is unfortunate that Lauren Hoffman's debut was released in the mid-'90s. Record companies, after witnessing the success of Sarah McLachlan and her Lilith Fair, signed just about every female singer/songwriter in the United States. Megiddo obviously got lost in the shuffle. What is disappointing about that fact is that not only is Megiddo a better album than a lot of the other Lilith wave artists, but it's better than a lot of releases in general. From the moody opener "Blood" to the last track, "Ashram Song," Hoffman touches on a wide selection of styles and rhythms. She is adept at time changes, has a strong sense of melody, and her voice has a range that allows her to rise above the balladeering that tainted most of the Lilith releases. Part of the charm of this disc is the fact that there is no one style exploited here. Multiple styles and ideas are used, from folk to rock to torch songs, and she glides from stone to stone without missing a step. A strong debut, Megiddo gives the listener little doubt of Hoffman's songwriting and performing talents.