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CD Review

The debut effort from Vancouver singer/songwriter Paula Toledo is an unassuming gem of an album.

She already boasts an impressive list of TV and film placements for her songs. Tracks from her self-titled 2003 EP appeared in a number of shows, including YTV's 15/Love and APTN's renegadepress.com. The O.C.'s Seth Cohen would doubtlessly approve of her winsome folk-pop, especially the Death Cab for Cutie-esque lead off track 'Pride'.

Though some may find this off-putting, the strength of the disc's 11 tracks allow them to transcend the "teen drama soundtrack" label that may be unfairly ascribed to her music.

Toledo's achingly beautiful voice is at times reminiscent of Sarah Harmer's. 'Passport' in particular would sit comfortably alongside Harmer's 'Don't Get Your Back Up'. She brings a sense of warmth and intimacy to her bittersweet lyrics. The aptly titled 'Fly Away' is a soaring pop masterpiece that captures both the joy and loss that anyone who has made a major change in their life, be it the break-up of a long-term relationship or moving far from home, can identify with.

Stay Awhile unapologetically deals with the timeless themes of love, loss and hope. It will win your heart, break it and make you fall in love with it all over again. Hopefully, Paula Toledo is going to follow the album title's invitation and stay with us for a while.

Paula Toledo will perform live on CIUT 89.5's Blissful Thunder on March 9, between 1 and 2 pm.