Album of the Day

Born in the Soviet Union and raised in the Bronx, Regina Spektor turns an unusually broad array of influences into a cohesive whole on BEGIN TO HOPE. The 2006 Sire album (her second for the label and first of all-new material) includes listener-friendly singles “Fidelity,” “Better” and “On The Radio” and the polished production of David Kahne, but the performer's individuality is proudly on display as well. Spektor's voice is a sweet, quirky instrument, her lyrics go beyond confessional intimacy to encompass orca whales and biblical verse, and her arrangements reflect the classical piano she grew up playing, as well as anti-folk, vintage soul and contemporary electro-pop. Greeted with critical acclaim upon release, the gold-certified BEGIN TO HOPE topped the Billboard Heatseekers chart and offers new hope for singer-songwriter fans.