Missy Higgins - The Ol' Razzle Dazzle

After selling a million copies of her 2007 breakout album On A Clear Night, Missy Higgins found herself in "a bit of an existential crisis", she says, and took a breather from writing and performing. Longawaited new album The Ol' Razzle Dazzle, due stateside July 17, heralds Higgins' adventurous return to the creative fold with, yes, a dazzling and diverse collection of new songs co-produced with fellow Aussie songwriter Butterfly Boucher and Brad Jones. Higgins describes the the project as "more experimental" with a "creative, fun feel about it" and that sense of playful risk-taking takes the diminutive singer into dramatically new directions on tracks like the spunky power-popped "Unashamed Desire", ultra-catchy lead U.S. single "Hello Hello" and Motown-meets-dance/pop glitter of "Temporary Love". Higgin's more introspective balladry and way with a soaring melody are still in full view via the intimacy of "Cooling of the Embers" and the glorious chamber/pop orchestrations of "All In My Head". "A brilliant re-entrance," raves Rolling Stone (Aus), "glowing with unselfconscious charm." Stream the full Razzle Dazzle here.

Missy Higgins - "Hello Hello" (from The Ol' Razzle Dazzle)

Missy Higgins - "All In My Head" (from The Ol' Razzle Dazzle)

Photo Credit: Heidi Ross