Hardly Blinking was signed and produced by the legendary Phil Ramone in 2000. It's Lauren's debut solo outing of all her original compositions ranging from rootsy adult pop tunes to more traditional singer/songwriter fare. Lauren's knack for strong melodies and picturesque lyrics make for a stimulating and surprising ride for the discerning and adventuresome listener. She doesn't follow a particular genre here, letting the story to be told song by song, note by note. Frank Filipetti co produces 7 of the 10 tracks. His handy work with James Taylor and Carly Simon throughout the years made for a very rich and gorgeous sound on this CD, and a treatment of the vocal that is unparallel. And Rob Mounsey's productions have a fuller production value that adds great detail and shape to the overall ride of the CD. "Ask Amelia" is an especially gorgeous cut that showcases the beauty of a song, a piano, and an arrangement of woodwinds and strings like never before. Mounsey at his best. "Are You Listening" was used for the theme in a talk show on the Oxygen Channel in 2000 as well as "Forsaken Population" as incidental music in the same program. Hardly Blinking is a stunning first outing by a totally orginal artist.

Avalon