Jen Trynin: Gun Shy Trigger Happy

Much has been made of Jen Trynin's skills as a lyricist: Her 1995 hit "Good" (sample lyric: "Maybe we could talk in the shower…") was hailed as much for its content as for its unstoppable pop hooks. But what often goes overlooked is the Bostonian's vocal ability: She's a gifted singer, but because her songs are often delivered with a sort of deadpanned half-sneer, people don't always notice. Trynin's vocal approach is always appropriate for her band's fluid musical arrangements, and her songs always ooze style because she always oozes style. The new Gun Shy Trigger Happy continues in the tradition of her fine debut album, Cockamamie, further cementing Trynin's place as one of the most promising new voices in the increasingly crowded mainstream radio market. She handles slick ballads ("Writing Notes," "I Resign") just as easily as she handles would-be radio smashes ("Go Ahead," "Around It," et al), and the album as a whole never really falters. In a world filled with wimpy Jewel wannabes and faux-angry Alanis-ites, it's damn refreshing to hear a relatively new female voice who just sounds smart, assured and downright cool.