Lissie - Why You Runnin'?

Lissie has packed more pretty into the 20 minutes of Why You Runnin' than a lot of artists do in twice the time. This has a lot to do with the intimate handle she has on a range of classic styles, whether it's Stephen Foster Americana ("Oh Mississippi"), Loretta Lynn country ("Wedding Bells"), or even a bit of the soulful balladry of Roberta Flack ("Everywhere I Go"). This isn't to say Lissie doesn't imbue her songs with any sense of individuality--certainly she does, and that's clear right from the first guitar chord of the opening track with its ear-catching minor second. In the end though, it's her obvious love of the tried and true, and her ability to transcend mere admiring pastiche, as well as her powerful, longing and absolutely gorgeous voice that are this little gem's best attributes. 4/5

Why You Runnin' - Lissie