There is a particular style of old-timey pop that sounds like it comes from a time machine. Perhaps some of the more archaic-sounding songs from Aimee Mann or Michael Penn. There's a certain mannered nature that carries through. Grace is more steeped in folk and the blues, but her voice has that alto belting power that carries this sound so well.

Amanda Grace Give Me Away (self-released)

These are her songs, too. They're terrifically personal. Though probably not autobiographical, these songs plumb the internal world. The blues influence really illuminates this.

Rather than leaning on the acoustic side (which would push this sound more toward americana), Grace has chosen to add power. Punchy drums, throbbing bass and the occasional reverb-laden guitar. She's clearly grown comfortable defining her own sound, and that confidence drives this album.

Grace's previous work is solid, but this is a major step forward. She knows her songs and how they should sound. And then she delivers one outstanding performance after another. In the end, an album like this isn't old-timey. It's timeless.

Jon Worley