Album Review: Suzanne Vega - Tales From The Realm Of The Queen Of Pentacles

An urban folk singer best known for 1987's often remixed Tom's Diner, Suzanne Vega's first studio album in seven years will surprise few but charm many. Her marshmallowy vocals still sweeten humbled guitar strumming and simple slap-percussion, particularly on tender ode to a passed relative, Silver Bridge. Much has been made of Don't Uncork What You Can't Contain, which represents Vega's first foray into sampling (of 50 Cent, would you believe) but the strings and beats fit quite naturally, much like most of this mostly understated elegant return.