Noa: Calling (Geffen Records)

    Israeli-born Noa (Achinoam Nini) was raised in the Bronx, but now lives in Tel Aviv, Israel. On her album, Calling, she transfers her background effectively to her music.

    Noa mixes the music of the East with the music of the West in her latest release. Gil Dor, a guitarist and co-music writer, is a strong influence and an advisor to Noa. The guitar playing of Dor and the keyboard playing of Rupert Hine greatly complement Noa's smooth vocals.

    On Calling, Noa deals with issues connected to Israel and others that affect the entire world. Her vocals quickly become darker due to the serious topics covered on Calling, but there are brighter moments on the album.

    The best song on Calling, "Too Proud," deals with a light but important subject. The piece is about a proud, young woman learning how to compromise to succeed in life.

    "Space" is about Israelites not being able to drive outside the borders of their small country due to the regulations between Israel and the neighboring countries. ("Space to cross, no pain, no fear/ Space to cross, far away from here.")

    "Mark of Cain" was influenced by the troubles in Bosnia. It is a poignant piece about a woman trying to love a child conceived out of rape: "Deep in my heart/ I wish I could love him/Erase our past with a mother's embrace/I want to start fresh/But within me I'm fearful/Will I find my oppressor in his tiny face?"

    "All Is Well," another hard-hitter, deals with the immunity people develop to violent occurrences. This song is directed towards one of the suicide bombings that took place in Israel.

    Noa's choice of topics may not be run-of-the-mill, but her sense of truth and genuine sincerity make Calling an introspective moment in today's music scene. She is definitely a face to watch.