You may not recognise the name Karen Jacobsen, but chances are you’ve already heard her. She’s the one telling you to turn left in 100 metres on your GPS. And now, she’s released an album. 
It may seem a little unexpected for a GPS voice to launch a singing career, but Karen’s actually a seasoned professional. She’s shared a stage with the likes of Norah Jones and Cyndi Lauper, and sung anthems at major sporting events across the United States. Now Karen’s stepping into the spotlight with the release of her album Melting Moments.
Karen’s voice is pure and sweet. Listening to her, I was reminded of The Corrs; there’s that same joy and optimism to the songs. There are very few edges here, although the opening track “Kissing Someone Else” does hint at a darker side. To some the lack of grit may seem like a flaw, but I think there’s something lovely about an album which lifts you up rather than dragging you down. The playful “Merry Go Round” is particularly captivating, while “So Fast” is another folk-tinged pop standout.
This is a really polished album. I was impressed to see Karen didn’t just add her pretty voice, but her production skills and songwriting prowess as well. Both are excellent. With Melting Moments, Karen Jacobsen shows us that her talents go far beyond directing traffic. Look out for the album in ABC shops from August 28.
Image source: ABC