Jewel polished on Spirit

The second song on Jewel's much-anticipated sophomore album speaks volumes about the comely folk ingenue.

"What's simple is true," she claims -- and although one can poke holes in this personal philosophy, one has to admire her conviction. Throughout Spirit, she serves up a generous helping of simple truths: Nature is good, hatred is bad, love is good and frankly "we're all OK."

Her utter lack of cynicism and irony -- and, dare I say, insight -- makes Jewel an anomaly in today's pop culture, though the touchy-feely sensitivity of her multi-million-selling debut, Pieces of You, obviously struck a chord and will probably do so again.

Like the debut, Spirit also focuses on Jewel's acoustic guitar and swooping vocals, though producer Patrick Leonard gives the new songs a spotless, high-gloss finish (not unlike the cover photo, actually).

The only blemishes come in the form of lyrical clunkers scattered throughout the new disc. When she sings such puzzling lines as, "There was a hole inside his soul a manicure could not fill," or "Your heart like grape gum on the ground," one wishes Jewel would use some of that cherished simplicity on her more convoluted lyrics.

Track Listing 1. Deep Water 2. What's Simple Is True 3. Hands 4. Kiss The Flame 5. Down So Long 6. Innocence Maintained 7. Jupitor 8. Fat Boy 9. Enter From The East 10. Barcelona 11. Life Uncommon 12. Do You 13. Absence Of Fear 14. This Little Bird - (additional track)		Album rating