DELICATE FLAME OF DESIRE

Really 4 1/2 stars. Rachel Jones has the best female voice I have heard since the heyday of Anne Haslam and Renaissance. More of a prog-classic rock cross, with folk-Celtic influences, but not as much as Mostly Autumn. The entire CD is very good, with no weak songs to bring it down. The best songs are "Time Stands Still", "Strange Behaviour" and "Heart of Stone". Most of the songs clock in at the 5-7 minute range, with only "Heart of Stone" reaching epic length of 10:31. While the musicianship is excellent, it is the voice of Rachel Jones that carries your mind and soul away. Out of all the 2003 releases I bought, this was my my favorite. Highly recommended.