Joni Mitchell’s multifaceted Blue created the template for albums such as this. Exploring one’s identity in song, within and without relationships, can quickly separate the poseur from the real thing. Though it may not carry the heft and stylistic focus of Mitchell’s masterwork, there’s no tentative awkwardness in Sara Cox’s Arrive either.
Cox demonstrates an economy with words, an understanding of the dynamics of vocal and instrumental lines, and a sly sense of fun — all of which engage the listener and suggest she has been listening intently herself. You can hear echoes of Linda Thompson’s phrasing in “Look Up” and Aimee Mann’s in “Paper Cup”. Neither shading sounds forced, but they seem to reflect an artist still developing her own personal sound from interesting and challenging sources. The range of styles on Arrive might seem excessive, but it’s a tribute to Cox and her longtime collaborators in the band Coming Grass that the performances remain true to their divergent roots.
Two tracks best serve to illustrate Cox’s songwriting skill. The title cut easily could have been cluttered with too many words and musical flourishes; instead, we get a clear-eyed sketch of a pivotal human choice, with the basic trio adorned tastefully by a well-placed harmony vocal in the chorus. And “Devotion” is a beautifully crafted little gem, a snapshot of disillusionment striking just the right balance of bitterness in the verse and release in the chorus.
In both songs, Cox is the assured storyteller, teasing the lines into a recognizable time and space. She begins her solo career with a most graceful first step.