Tanita Tikaram - Can’t Go Back (2012) (Deluxe Edition)

Can’t Go Back, the long-awaited seventh studio album from Tanita Tikaram, is an undeniably happy and upbeat outing. But as can be expected from the distinctive London-based singer- songwriter, there’s also a healthy shot of what she calls “sweet melancholy”. Part of that dichotomy comes from Tikaram’s perfectly slow-smoked, husky alto, a unique instrument that has served her well over the nearly 25 years since the release of her international hit “Twist In My Sobriety” and five-million-selling debut while still a teenager. And much is owed to her ability to take a simply stated and restrained melody and gracefully turn it into something mesmerizing. Tikaram is clearly both relaxed and inspired on songs like the gorgeous “Make The Day” and she gets stellar support from producer Paul Bryan (Aimee Mann, Grant Lee Phillips), keyboardist Keefus Ciancia (T Bone Burnett, Elton John), drummer Jay Bellerose and longtime guitarist/co-writer Mark Creswell. “It turned out more even special than the ideas I’d originally had,”