Thao Nguyen's well-crafted 2008 album, We Brave Bee Stings and All, gave hints of a great singer-songwriter on the rise. With Know Better Learn Faster, the lyrics are often darker (yes, this is a breakup album), the singing has even more conviction, and the instrumentation is more varied to give a fuller sound. While We Brave…often had a folksy bent, Nguyen and her band have now expanded their sound to include hints of dance (“Easy”), a rockier pop vibe (the excellent “Body”), and a touch of Pentecostal gospel (“Clap”). This album is a great example of growth, solidifying Nguyen as that great singer-songwriter hinted at before.
--Erika Clarke [October 12, 2009]
