As you all know by now, hopefully, Candice Night is not only an American vocalist/songwriter, but the musical partner and wife of Rainbow/Deep Purple guitar legend, Ritchie Blackmore. Also being the lead singer, multi-instrumentalist, and lyricist for the traditional folk rock project, Blackmore's Night (since its origins in 1997), Candice has released solo records before ... but this one is the best yet, for my money!

Candice's voice on Starlight Starbright is amazing! Truly evocative at every musical turn, every song is brought to life, each note sung and lifted to its most perfect of plateau - which makes the whole listening experience even more worthwhile. Indeed, her vocal lushness transports you into a world where you are asked to reflect on the everyday happenings in life, and just let them ebb gently away as nightfall comes a'knocking.

With her second solo offering, Starlight, Starbright, Night's vocal quality - truly, richer than in years past - ushers you into a quiet, and intimate place; a place of beauty and dreams. Inspired by the birth of her children, Autumn (5) and Rory (3), she has said that she really felt just so completely full of love and part of this bigger picture, this miracle, that making such an album of lullaby's was second nature to her.

Indeed, she wanted to sing to celebrate this incredible life that was occurring inside of her, and that she had "never felt so spiritual". And so, here on Starlight, Starbright we find new original melodies, some co-written and played with Ritchie Blackmore, some solo by Night, and yet ALL sleepy time beautiful.

The album starts with the very ethereal 'Rock A Bye Baby,' and simply never stops from making you smile, making you sleep if you shut your eyes as the 13 tracks come forth. Tracks such as 'So This Is Love,' 'Annie's Song,' 'Lullaby In The Night,' and both 'Fireflies' and 'Once In A Garden' are just gorgeous.

I know I go on about it, but Candice's voice is simply enchanting. It is also nice to hear her away from Blackmores Night, to stand alone, so to speak - as she does it so well. She is quite an extraordinary talent and proves that ever onward with other cuts such as 'Robin Redbreast,' 'Sleep Little Baby,' 'Return To Pooh Corner,' and the closing pair of 'Baby Mine' and 'Misty Blue.' Add to that there are two Bonus Videos on this wonderful CD - 'Once In A Garden' and 'Lullaby In The Night' - and you have true value for money here; if you didn't actually think you did before, of course.