If you're a pop fan and you hear 'produced by Xenomania' and 'songs co-written with the likes of Saint Etienne', you're bound to be interested. 

Both statements sum up Australia's latest export, Gabriella Cilmi. Lessons To Be Learned is one of those albums that seem to bleed into a few genres. If you're expecting 'yeah yeah la la' songs, forget it;  Sweet About Me highlights the texture and substance this album is sonically built on. An amazing debut that leaves me feeling like I've witnessed the birth of a star.

Gabriella Cilmi
Lessons To Be Learned
(Warner)

by LAWRENCE AKERS