Artist: Leigh Nash
Album: Blue On Blue
Label: One Son Records
Tracks: 12
Length: 47:57
Review By: Jacob Gehman

My obsession with Sixpence None The Richer, the band Leigh Nash used to be lead singer for, started when I found a pre-release copy of their self titled album at a used book sale curated by our local library. I was probably 13 or 14 at the time and, for whatever reason, bought the album. While I was mostly listening to Christian music like Five Iron Frenzy and the OC Supertones at the time, I would put the album on and think that the album was exceptionally sad sounding. As the years passed I became a hardcore fan and collected all of their full length albums, their EPs (including their early demo), compilations, and any single I could find that had exclusive material on it. My fervor was probably matched and exceeded by a handful of people, but without doubt I was in the upper echelon. The day in 2004 that Sixpence None The Richer broke up was very dark for me. I was distraught and, even worse, had no one with whom to share my misery with. I told some people, who shrugged their shoulders and said something to the effect of, "Didn't they do that kissing song?" Life was bleak.

Then 2006 brought a ray of hope. Leigh Nash brought herself to write and record a solo album. I was apprehensive. Because while Nash was the voice of the band, Matt Slocum was their main songwritter and it was his blood that flowed through their work. Could Leigh Nash be successful on her own?

The answer is yes. It surprised me, but in a good way. It was pleasant to realize that Nash could write some very good pop songs on her own. A whole albums worth, even. While there is little on the album that hints at the greatness of Sixpence's self-titled album, Blue On Blue stacks up quite well with Divine Discontent, the last Sixpence full length album. "Nervous In The Light Of Dawn" is the immediate standout track. But that is followed by the catchy "My Idea Of Heaven" and "Ocean Size Love."

Nash's strong point is, and has always been, her crystal clear voice. Her voice is undoubtedly feminine sounding, with a hint of breathiness. However, she doesn't sing in the weak way that is common of breathy singers. Instead she strikes the balance between softening her tone and still standing strong.

The song compositions on this album are mostly fairly basic. No curve balls are thrown to disarm the listener. However, when you can sing  as sweet of a chorus or as engaging a bridge as Nash can, composition becomes less important.

If you were a Sixpence None The Richer fan, particularly of Divine Discontent, then Blue On Blue is definitely an album to acquire. While Slocum's beautiful arrangements are missed, the album manages without them. It is good to see Leigh Nash making a good, strong album showing that her job with Sixpence was more than just the pretty face and angelic voice.