Success has not spoiled Chantal Kreviazuk. Sure, over the past few years, the Winnipeg singer-songwriter has branched out and opened up her own little hit factory, lending her talents to chart-toppers by the likes of Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson and Gwen Stefani. But anyone who expected a bit of that stardust to rub off on her fourth album just doesn't know Chantal.

True to its title, Ghost Stories is the exact opposite of a big pop album; in fact, in many ways it's Kreviazuk's most personal and intimate work yet. Using her increased clout to gain more control of her music, Chantal recorded most of these 11 tracks at her home studio, with husband Raine Maida acting as producer and co-writer.

And while nearly all these meticulously crafted cuts are anchored by a full band and topped with superbly textured strings, the central focus remains on Kreviazuk's urgently driving piano lines, strikingly passionate vocals and intensely haunted lyrics about lost loved ones, teenage angst, war and motherhood.

Obviously, these aren't songs you're going to hear blasting out of the radio at a beach party. But you will hear them coming from your sister's room after her next breakup. And that's OK.

While a part of us still would like to hear Chantal make a truly happy album someday, it's also heartening to know that even though we are living in an increasingly material world, Chantal is still a spiritual girl.

Track Listing:

1. Ghosts Of You
2. All I Can Do
3. Spoken In Tongues
4. Mad About You
5. So Cold
6. Waiting For The Sun
7. You Blame Yourself
8. Grow Up So Fast
9. Wonderful
10. Asylum
11. Wendy House