Calgary native Jann Arden releases her third album to stores Tuesday. "Happy?" places her someplace on the map between Shawn Colvin and Sarah McLachlan, with the edgy folk framework of the former melded with the earthy swooning of the latter. The Sound Of" and Holy Moses" are gorgeously haunting, but Leave Me Now" and Ode to a Friend" are sheer pop balladry. Her cover of To Sir With Love" speaks volumes about her anticipated audience. Arden's songwriting can be incisive, but she doesn't take the kinds of chances with her music that could make it truly interesting.

-- Beth Winegarner

This article was originally published in BAM.