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Danan Healy, as we are told, has a master’s degree in opera and has been through basic training in the U.S. Army. This seemingly conflicting background is well-exhibited in THE OTHER SIDE, Healy’s first full length CD release (and the follow-up to her debut EP, 2005’s YOU NEED MORE LOVE).

Healy brings a subtle sensuality to her work, one that smolders slowly rather than burns. It runs throughout the entirety of THE OTHER SIDE in its entirety, as Healy reveals the tough and tender sides of relationships. “Beautiful” is an enigmatic tribute, a simultaneous hello and goodbye to someone (friend? lover?) that lulls the listener, leaving them unprepared for the hard-hitting, no-nonsense “No Good” and “Despise You,” a couple of musical kiss-offs worthy of Alanis Morrisette. Emotions, and moods, see-saw throughout THE OTHER SIDE, from “Mother” to “Don't Waste My Time” to “Gold Star,” even as Healy offers constant change-ups in tempo and arrangement to keep THE OTHER SIDE from falling into a predictability trap, keeping each track, each minute, new and interesting.

THE OTHER SIDE is an interesting CD which gives more with repeated listening. Just when it looked as if the era of the introspective singer/songwriter had run its course, Healy, with THE OTHER SIDE, provides us with reason to give pause.