Meredith Brooks

Meredith Brooks' debut album, Blurring the Edges is an example of post-Alanis Morissette marketing by the record industry, although, at her musical core, Brooks is more like Sheryl Crow -- namely, a classic rocker with slightly edgy lyrics. She even works with producer David Ricketts, the former partner of Crow's Tuesday Night Music Club collaborator, David Baerwald. Ricketts gives Blurring the Edges a radio-friendly polish, and on the album's first single, "Bitch," Brooks and Ricketts devise an Alanis clone, from the semi-profane lyrics to the caterwauling chorus. "Bitch" isn't indicative of the rest of the album, which is considerably calmer and aimed at adult alternative stations, and Brooks fits neatly into the confines of that format. There are legions of similar post-alternative singer/songwriters, but Brooks is a competent melodicist and her lyrics are occasionally promising. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide