Reinvention rarely yields such astounding results. Bright catchy '80s-influenced dance-pop with a heavy dose of synth -- yes, it's a little hard to believe that this is the same recent high-school grad who drew early comparisons to
Ashlee Simpson and
Avril Lavigne. The fresh young sounds emanating from her prolific songwriting now resemble
Katy Perry,
Gwen Stefani, and
Miley Cyrus. This is partially due to production by
Doubledutch (
Mat Kearney,
tobyMac) and partially to
Krystal's undeniable ear for a hook and a beat. It's a relief that she doesn't follow the typical trend of trying to prove her womanhood by bashing a guitar with cheesy power chords and reciting transparent lyrics about a misunderstanding world. Fans will also enjoy the fact that she avoids going the way of
Michelle Branch (irrelevant) and the aforementioned
Perry (shock rock). Those unfamiliar with
Krystal's first two albums will be amazed at the evolution in just a short couple of years.