190. HOME, BEFORE AND AFTER by Regina Spektor

Previously covered here, Regina Spektor is back with this just released 2022 record. Ever since I first heard her, I've been enamored and mesmerized by her voice - I can't not listen to what she has to sing. She's not your straightforward singer songwriter; there's something about her singing and playing that will put a smile on your face. Whether it's her word play or peculiar phrasings on the piano, get ready to be sucked in to her music.

I've been waiting for this album to be released for awhile, in fact since the first single was released back in February. I'm a big believer in the importance of track sequencing, with the lead off single placed as the album opener, as was done in this case. I'm so glad that she did this as 'Becoming All Alone' is one of the standouts and having heard it first (as a single) and then again as the opener, it just made me want to listen to the rest of the record even more. Other tracks to check out include 'SugarMan' (again, one of those songs that leaves you smiling and will turn into an earworm for the rest of the day), 'Loveology' (apparently a staple of her live shows, finally put down on record) and 'Up The Mountain.'