According to several high-profile reviews, Sarah Blasko’s third album is a serious contender for album of the year. They have a point. A stripped-back journey through Blasko’s innermost thoughts, ‘As Day Follows Night’ is both engaging and leftfield - a genuine delight.

Recorded in Sweden with producer Bjorn Yttling (Peter, Bjorn and John ), the new album may be centred on heartbreak, but there’s an uplifting quality to the whole LP. Obviously, Blasko went through her own personal issues during the writing and recording process, but as the songs reveal, she’s come through it stronger. As musically stripped back as it is emotionally, ‘As Day Follows Night’ has really drawn out the rhythmic aspects of Blasko’s music. Most tracks consist of a relatively simple arrangement focused around one instrument, be it drums, guitar or piano. This approach to production not only gives the songs room to breathe, it also brings Blasko’s bittersweet vocals to the fore.

Apparently things got quite intense in the studio as Blasko and Yttling tried to influence the tide of this album, but from all evidence, they reached a happy middle ground. This third LP will not only keep long-time fans satisfied, it should introduce the artist to a whole new audience. Whether it makes album of the year is debatable, but it’s a very strong release that Blasko should be hugely proud of.

Sarah Blasko: As Day Follows Night is out now on Universal

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