Leah Andreone
Veiled
RCA Records

When you think of a young female artist screaming out songs about living and loving, Alanis Morissette probably comes to mind first. And her music is great for those who can tolerate her loud, obnoxious tone.

Leah Andreone sings about similar subject matter, but the 23-year-old newcomer to the scene does so in a much milder manner. Veiled sounds as if someone took Morissette's music and mixed it with some Tori Amos.

Songs on the album vary in rhythm, from the upbeat tempo of "It's Alright It's OK" to the calmer, slower "You Make Me Remember."

Most of the tracks here, the San Diego native admits, are based on her life stories.

In "Imagining You," Andreone, who writes her own lyrics, sings about starting a new love, and all the great things that come with it.

One of the most powerful messages on the album comes from the song "Problem Child."

On this track, Andreone sings about an abused boy and how his circumstances eventually caused him to inflict abuse on others.

Though that song didn't come from her own experiences, she's still able to send strong messages about the effects of one's actions and that people should act more responsibly because of future repercussions.

Although Andreone has not yet gained the fame and recognition of her peers, and she may or may not ever become a household name, her music is worth a trip to the record store. You won't be disappointed.

Eric Lenkowitz