Regina Spektor's latest album, Far, does not disappoint

Regina Spektor's much-anticipated third studio album, Far, has been well received by fans and new listeners alike. Her previous album, Begin to Hope, includes her hit single, "Fidelity," which allowed Spektor to break through into the pop genre and become mainstream. Her offbeat charm and unique voice was pleasing to many and she acquired a strong fan base.

Spektor worked with four different producers for this album - Mike Elizondo, Garret "Jacknife" Lee, Jeff Lynne and David Kahne. Instead of losing herself in the production, which happens to many artists who decide to work closely with several producers, Spektor's originality was savored in this album; while it may sound more polished than her previous minimalist work, her personality still shines.

Far demonstrates that Spektor's lyrics and vocals are sometimes cute and simple, but still contain an edge and uniqueness that distinguishes her from other piano-pop artists. Some of her tracks seem simple upon a first listen, but with each listen, deeper levels of meanings begin to emerge. For example, in "The Wallet," Spektor tells a story of someone finding a wallet and returning it to Blockbuster so that the owner can retrieve it. But for those who care to read deeper into the meaning of her songs, "The Wallet" tells a story of human nature as well.

Another distinguishing characteristic of Spektor's music is that it is unpredictable. In the track, "Eet," it starts off as if it were a ballad, but then picks up in the second verse when the drums begin. "Machine" is an interesting track and is a new approach for Spektor. It's a little on the dark side with its industrial noises in the background. "Human of the Year" highlights Spektor's powerful vocals, which she rarely exhibits.

"Laughing With" is her first single off the album. It is a compelling song that explores how life affects our religious beliefs. "Dance Anthem of the '80s" is a fun, lighthearted track that seems to contrast the lyrics about prostitution. "One More Time with Feeling" is an inspirational song about enjoying life for the last time.

Overall, I was impressed with Regina Spektor's latest album. Most devout fans are pleased, and she will definitely attract more fans with this album, including myself. I had only a few tracks from Begin to Hope, but I am excited to continue listening to all of her work. It's unique, interesting, and pleasing to the ear.

**** Regina Spektor is currently on tour in support of Far. She will be playing at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. on September 30 at 8:00pm. Visit www.ticketmaster.com for details.