Rounder

On Paper Airplane, Alison Krauss returns her attention to Union Station for the proper follow up to 2004’s Lonely Runs Both Ways. As always, Krauss’ gossamer voice and heartfelt delivery wipes clean much of the distance between roots music and pop music. And though love and its regrets is clearly the overarching theme ( “Paper Airplane,” “Lie Awake,” “Sinking Stone” ), several standout covers – particularly the topical classic, “Dust Bowl Children” – provide an unexpected dimension to the 11-song album. Jackson Browne’s “My Opening Farewell” and Richard Thompson’s “Dimming of the Day” are also album highlights, as the latter proves to be Krauss’ most stirring vocal performance. Those who first heard Krauss on 2007’s Raising Sand will also find Paper Airplane fully accessible and enjoyable.