Melani Skybell's throwback to the vocals that dominated the 40's and 50's in that vocal lounge/pop style that presented the finer written songbook of American music history. Her vocal timbre is musky and deep, but feminine and gentle - a combination that sets Skybell apart from many singers in the genre. The CD, "Life is the Song", begins with You'd Better Love Me While You May" and features kinetic stand-up bass and bare subtle piano. Track 4, "I'll Be Easy to Find", is one of the highlights on the record as Skybell inserts a passionate and delicate treatment above the solo piano which supports perfectly. Fun is the spin of track 9 as Melani combines two marvelous tunes in 'Goody Goody/You Came a Long Way from St. Louis' - with another interpretation that lounge/broadway croons with a smile. The 2,5,1 is alive and well in track 10 as a blues/jazz feel dominates "Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood" - and here, again, Skybell showcases a texture that reminds us a bit of Marianne Faithful. A sadness penetrates track 13, "What Do you See in Her?", as the song asks questions, 'i can't help just wondering whether you see inside the tears i hide'. The record ends with the resolve that "You Don't Know What Love Is" - and the note at the end leaves the listener with the curiosity of the message - but whether a message is intended or not, Skybell and co. do a wonderful job and recording a superior collection of great songs, great instrumental playing, and above all, an unpretentious vocal delivery that serves the song and music lover equally.