Blair Hansen first got my attention in 2004, at my very first South by Southwest, where she was one of the first acts I saw, and where I happened to run into her just outside the convention floor a couple of days later. I recall being impressed by her self-titled Blair Hansen CD and later by her sophomore effort, Smile, when I listened to it in 2005. I remember being struck by Blair's vocal talent, and I enjoyed being on hand for her SXSW debut.

After taking a break from recording, Blair is back with Real World, a warm set of indie rock anthems of above average musicality. Her strong native vocal ability still stands out, but where Blair Hansen and Smile were more confessional, singer-songwriter, Real World is backed up by folk rock arrangements of hook-laden pop tunes performed by an impressive band. I listen to a lot of recordings and artists in this genre, and Real World easily measures up.

It comforts me that I like so many of the tunes on Real World. It is as though Blair Hansen found a songwriting and arranging groove and stayed in it, song ofter song. Her vocal influences range from Janis Joplin to Heart to The Dixie Chicks, and her arrangements are informed by a musical culture of California folk rock. I would be hard pressed to pick my favorite. I like the plaintive innocence of the title track, but I like the lyrical romanticism of Take Me even better.

If it were not pursuing a career as a indie rocker, Blair Hansen's voice could easily find fame in any number of genres, from stylized pop, to blues, to Nashville country. Here's hoping Blair's voice finds its place in the crazy, crowded, mixed up melee that comprises the indie music scene!