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Jessica Pratt's new album, her first, is actually a collection of her recordings over the last 5 years, and definitely isn't the neo-folk or freak-folk that indie music fans are accustomed to these days. This is more like your dad's--or his dad's--folk music: just a gorgeous voice, an acoustic guitar, and a set of exceptional tunes. However, these songs are much dreamier than anything Joan Baez or Joni Mitchell released back in the day, with Pratt's nasally-yet-soothing vocals floating lazily above gentle fingerpicking, resulting in a listening experience that is very serene and relaxing, perfect for lazy Sunday mornings.

It's not easy, in today's musical landscape, to stand apart from the crowd while singing traditional folk, but songs like the hauntingly beautiful, Joni Mitchell-esque "Bushel Hyde," the Appalachian vibe of both "Mountain'r Lower" and "Casper," and the languid, hypnotic "Mother Big River," prove that Pratt isn't just another coffee shop folk-singer, but one that deserves to be heard by all music fans, regardless of their genre leanings. The poetic, heartbreaking lyrics combined with excellent melodies are more than enough to separate her from the pack. Not every song here worked for me, but those that didn't were few and far between.

While Jessica Pratt's self-titled may not immediately catch the ear of the modern indie fan--who may disregard any album that doesn't immediately sound unique or weird--the music will definitely stick with you, if you let it. There's no denying the power of a simple, great melody and heartfelt lyrics that ring true. The music found here has a timeless quality about it; it sounds good now and it will continue to sound good 20 years from now. She may be only 19, but here she sounds wise beyond her years, and I for one look forward to hearing where she goes next.