My Paper Heart

hen it was released in the summer of 2008, Francesca Battistelli's My Paper Heart garnered attention in CCM circles because of "I'm Letting Go," a single that sounded like a B-side to Sara Bareilles' ubiquitous "Love Song," an adult contemporary hit at the time. It seemed like an opportunistic move on the part of her handlers, but Battistelli was no copycat: the rest of My Paper Heart positioned her as an up-and-coming singer/songwriter in her own right, a youthful songstress with a smoky, soulful voice -- much like a younger, faith-based version of Fiona Apple or Rachael Yamagata. Battistelli's dealings aren't quite as somber and jazzy as those singers' -- she does, after all, operate within the confines of Christian music, where a certain degree of exuberance is almost required -- but she is heartfelt and transparent in her delivery. Her warmth and her aptitude in adopting various sensibilities -- soft R&B, piano pop, balladry -- render Battistelli a talent to watch in years to come.~ Andree Farias|