Uncover Me
Perfectly titledUncover Meis a collection of nine cover songs and one original that allows Arden to show how emotion-driven music has influenced her along the way. The disc kicks off with "Bring the Boys Home" (originally a 1971 anti-Vietnam war song) that is especially moving with its refrain, "bring 'em back alive." The '70s hit "Peace Train" by Yusuf Islam (a.k.a. Cat Stevens) also delivers another powerful message in a gentle melody. True to Arden's musical nature, there are a handful of melancholic tracks, including the aptly wistful version of Janis Ian's "At Seventeen" and a moving, traditional take on the Carpenters' "Solitaire." The disc's one original, "Counterfeit Heart" is a definite standout of the slower numbers, one that seems awash with a '40s croon and ache. That track aside, the strongest parts of the CD come in the form of the sassy female-fronted melodies that bring out the best of Arden's style. Carly Simon's "You're So Vain," Pat Benetar's "Love Is a Battlefield," and Dusty Springfield's "Son of a Preacher Man" each allow Arden to infuse a little extra zest and oomph in her vocals. The only downside? That in choosing the songs, Arden didn't pick a number with a little more bite to it, such as Heart's "Crazy on You" or Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation," which would have allowed her to shake off the softness, if only for a while.--Denise Sheppard