Suzy K.

This spiritual-minded indie artist's success gives hope to every suburban mom with a great voice, a global vision, and a dream. The story goes that she gave a demo tape to her brother, a Beverly Hills dentist, who played it for an entertainment attorney having some mouth work done. Her 1996 debut for Coyote Records failed to catch on, but she has since become a force at adult contemporary radio, culminating in "Now I Know," her hit collaboration with Donny Osmond. Her clout to work with top producers on Circle -- including Kim Bullard (Goo Goo Dolls) and Rob Hoffman and Heather Holley (Christina Aguilera) -- keeps her moving forward in a hip and edgy way. The opening track, "Anything," offers glimpses of her unique vocal range (from low and sensuous to diva-like belting) amid a soundscape of trance effects and a power chorus full of slick guitars. That same blend of innocence and edge works wonders on the disc's peppy hit single, "Teaching." She roller coasters similarly over a thumping trip-hop groove on "Always Be There." Her voice on "Only Yesterday" and the inspirational "Gabriel" has a sweet ethereal quality, offering further dynamics; one gets the feeling she can sing in any kind of mood, depending on the setting. Thus, in her chosen genre, she will continue to have no trouble appealing both to adult fans of Enya and younger fans of Avril Lavigne. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide