Artist Laura Marling

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Laura Marling

Though she’s just 21, Laura Marling’s done some pretty notable stuff in the British folk scene, including releasing two excellent solo records—2008’s Alas I Cannot Swim and 2010’s I Speak Because I Can—winning Best Female Solo Artist at this year’s Brit Awards, and touring with (and dating the lead singer of) alt-rock radio flavor of the year Mumford And Sons. She’s been on a hot streak to say the least, which makes the failings of her new record, A Creature I Don’t Know, that much sadder. Creature is an adequate record, because it’s perfectly listenable and pleasant, but it’s not nearly as delicately formed and emotionally crafted as Marling’s previous work. At least she’s got 60 or so good recording years left in her career to turn things around.

Updated 09/14/2011