Nonesuch

Sara Watkins puts you through the ringer on her second solo album Sun Midnight Sun, produced by Blake Mills. The singer/songwriter seduces you with the help of Fiona Apple on the Everly Brother’s “You’re the One I Love.” She complains you only love her “When it pleases you.” She begs you for one more shot ( “Be There” ). She agrees to marry you but grows unhappy ( “Lock and Key” ). And then, she reminds you that it’s a new day with new promises ( “Take Up Your Spade” ). Throughout the 10-track journey, Watkins’ expertise on the fiddle and string instruments propel the songs, especially on opener “The Foothills,” which is more Irish jig than the brand of bluegrass her former band Nickel Creek produced. But it’s her soothing and warm vocals that bring sincerity to the music, allowing you to sympathize with her side of the relationship.