The Blackest Crow

Released in 2019, The Blackest Crow represents a significant stylistic pivot for Anna Nalick. Known primarily for her mid-2000s platinum hit 'Breathe (2 AM)', this album sees her shedding the polished indie-pop production of her youth in favor of a minimalist, jazz-and-folk-influenced approach. The project is primarily a covers album, featuring a diverse selection of material ranging from 1920s jazz standards like 'Some of These Days' to 1960s rock staples like The Kinks' 'Waterloo Sunset' and Crosby, Stills & Nash's 'Helplessly Hoping'. The recording captures a live-in-the-room energy, emphasizing organic textures and Nalick's maturing vocal range. Critically, it has been noted for its bravery in simplicity, showcasing Nalick as a formidable interpreter of song rather than just a pop songwriter. It occupies a unique space in her catalog as her most acoustic and 'timeless' sounding work to date.