Irish newcomer Gemma Hayes has been praised for over a year in Europe and even been nominated for the coveted mercury prize--which is pretty much the equivalent of best album of the year in the Europe markets. Now that it is finally being released here in the U.S. it can be properly ignored by everyone including radio and listeners alike. Not to say that this album is bad, because that is definitely not the case, but Hayes' vocals are nothing new to listeners over here. Without a doubt she's like a nice mix of rough Liz Phair, with a hint of sweetness that people expect from Heather Nova. But nothing on this album requires the listener to autimatically go back and listen further. Hayes will definitely stick in the minds of lovers of female singer songwriters, but others may consider this a "been there done that" kind of album.