All for Believing [EP] - Missy Higgins

Though All for Believing is Missy Higgins' first American release, she's been a sensation in her native Australia since at least 2001, when this EP's title track was originally released. Designed as a calling card for her eventual domestic full-length, the brief set showcases Higgins' engaging vocal style and knack for balladry. "I believe in what I see," she sings in "All for Believin," "And baby we were meant to be." There's a tinge of Vanessa Carlton here, in the piano's sparkling urgency and the fervent, if naively romantic lyrics. But Higgins keeps "Believing" basic, heightening its dramatic sweep with subtle washes of cello and violin. "Any Day Now" features a similar arrangement, the violin drifting around and through the plaintive cracks in Higgins' high notes. "Ten Days" adds bright percussion and the strums of an acoustic guitar for a sound reminiscent of Melissa Etheridge's "Come to My Window," while "Scar" is a rootsy and lyrically clever folk-pop number with the inviting lilt of a radio single. Beside the title cut it's the strongest thing on the EP, and suggests Higgins can remain unique alongside some more middle of the road material. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide