There's something about Cara Aley that inspires me. Maybe it's her voice  gentle yet edgy; or her music - complex string rhythms that entice the soul; or her lyrics - powerful and straightforward. Whatever it is, she sent me her newest album, Bend, and I was thoroughly impressed to find a harmonious merge of acoustics with a worldly touch. There's no detailed storytelling here, only her feelings spilled out overflowingly into music that accompanies the emotions described in her lyrics. Fluidly written, these lyrics paint emotional masterpieces about life and love, simple yet complex.
My favorite track, "Figure It Out" gives an introspective view into Cara's outlook on life, and is based on a popular Shakespearian quote. In "Better Things", Cara sings about the role of positivity and love in life. "And do any of us know what the forward brings/Need to keep our hopes in line for better things/Take the time now to show me where my heart is going/Care enough to know that all I need is knowing/That you¹re going to be there when I return." You'll get more than perfect romance songs with this girl - she can sing about the destruction of love ("Luke") as eloquently as the emergence of it ("Take Me Away"). I feel like I've met someone that I aspire to be when I hear this album-- for Cara has opened up her soul for all to hear.

Kristen Pasculli, Discovering Artists
Favorite Tracks: Figure It Out, Luke
Rating: 5 stars

Listen to the music at myspace.com/cara, or buy the cd.