CANOE -- JAM! - LOVE IS THE ONLY SOLDIER

September 12, 2003

LOVE IS THE ONLY SOLDIER

By DARRYL STERDAN

LOVE IS THE ONLY SOLDIER
Jann Arden
(Universal)

Home is obviously where Jann Arden's heart lies. The roots-pop balladeer recorded part of her latest album -- and first self-produced effort -- down in her Calgary basement, clad in her pajamas, surrounded by her touring band.

That sense of comfort and intimacy permeates nearly every aspect of Love is the Only Soldier, from the glistening melodies, the blanket-like warmth of the production and the unpretentious honesty of the performances down to the hand-written packaging that feels like a personal letter from Jann. Which, in a very real way, is what this album is.

These 10 songs, like most of Arden's catalogue, are open-hearted tales of yearning and loss, delivered directly from the innermost part of her soul with all the emotion her soaring, rich voice can summon.

Sure, sometimes we wish Arden's music possessed more of the whipsmart wit she displays on stage and in interviews.

But while you're listening the gorgeous melancholy and tasteful artiness of tracks like If You Loved Me, Not Saying Goodbye and Only One, it's impossible not to surrender to Arden's Love. (More on Jann Arden)

Track Listing