A break of five years between releases has seen Kim Richey return with the best album of her career. Even though she’s had conspicuous critical success as a songwriter, her albums have remained a little under the radar; while the opportunity to become a huge name has probably gone, those who do pick up ‘Chinese Boxes’ will be rewarded by a contemporary singer/songwriter album of real depth and quality.
Often compared to Shawn Colvin, this album makes the link even easier as the similarities are obvious, her use of melody, vocal phrasing and light folk/pop stylings are all closely related.
Although only 10 songs long, this is an album full of high quality songwriting and each song feels crafted and complete – the arrangements feel natural and the melodies are effortlessly delivered. What really stands out is the depth of the lyrics, they’re subtle, mature and full of class; the combination of the beautiful melodies and the thoughtful lyrics make this a striking album.
The slightly fuller sound on this album (certainly in comparison to 2002s ‘Rise’) is partly due to the use of instrumentation, her own guitar is added to by bass, percussion, mandolin, Wurlitzer and a whole host of keyboards.
Laid back, layered pieces (‘Another Day’) sit alongside both acoustic and rockier songs (‘Pretty Picture’ and ‘Not a Love Like This’) on an album that is perfectly sequenced and one that works as a complete and rounded listening experience.
’Chinese Boxes’ is a fine album, Richey’s voice is smooth and easy to enjoy, and the songwriting and arrangements are of the highest order. Not to be missed.

Track listing
1 Jack and Jill
2 Chinese Boxes
3 Drift
4 Absence of Your Company
5 Turn Me
6 I Will Follow
7 Something to Say
8 Not a Love Like This
9 Another Day
10 Pretty Picture

£12.99