Following in the folk-pop path carved out on her 2003 release Distant Shore, ex-Solas vocalist Karan Casey trades in her covers- and traditionals-heavy repertoire for a collection that relies on mostly self-penned material.

Chasing the Sun eschews -- for the most part -- the Celtic side of Casey for a more contemporary folk style that suits the Irish siren's gorgeous voice.

With minimal but effective accompaniment she waxes on about everything from drink to politics with the breezy but cautious air of a songbird that has seen as much sorrow as it has beauty.

Lovely a cappella pieces like "Jimmy Whelan" and "Brown and Yellow Ale" hark back to the singer's Solas days, showcasing the flawless intonation and smooth delivery that have made her one of the genre's most consistently gratifying singer, but this ballad-heavy collection often lulls the listener away from the song itself, leaving them delightfully melancholy but ultimately detached.