Kim Fox - Return To Planet Earth
(Franklin Castle/Oglio)

Kim Fox's distinctive squeak of a voice is almost too cute for its own good. On the L.A.-based singer/songwriter's long-awaited second album, though, it's that very voice--plus a plethora of poptastic melodies--that keep the cuteness factor in check most of the way. The album falters considerably when Fox gets a little too precious, particularly on the cliched "Little Piece Of Heaven." Redeeming it all are a few gems, notably the buoyant, bouncing "Baby, I Want You Back," which echoes pop geniuses both mainstream (Brian Wilson) and obscure (Future Bible Heroes).

WOMEN WHO ROCK, May/June 2003