Lisa Loeb

Supposedly, Lisa Loeb signed with Artemis to get creative control over her work. Surprisingly, however, there is nothing on Hello Lisa that would be out of place on a major label release. But really, that is Loeb's niche: indie credibility with a crossover sound. Having Dweezil Zappa co-write and co-produce many of the album's tracks obviously helps with the cred, even if his contributions reveal little of his lineage. Loeb is assuredly a fine writer, and even producer, but the promise of a creative leap is seemingly beyond the scope of this very safe album. And if a leap is needed, maybe Loeb should take a look at putting at least one song on the next album that isn't confined by the claustrophobic world of the "I" ("I did that," "I am the underdog," "What am I supposed to say?"). Introspective? Sure. Introverted? You bet. Inspired? Not really. Influential? Not on your life.