Diana Johnstone's voice has that tone that seems redolent of classic period folk singers like Shelagh McDonald but this, her second album, isn't really folk music. Her self penned songs are wistful and delicate reflections on life and the passing of time. It is no lie to say that is an album of a woman looking backwards and therefore we get songs about children leaving home ("Beloved Child") and relationships that have degraded into boredom ("Tired of the Blues"). I've got to say that there was a pervading feeling of melancholy behind the obvious politeness of the presentation and, in the spirit of that very politeness, every supporting player does just enough to support Ms Johnstone's high, clear voice. Maybe that's the point - the sadness behind the façades that we all present.
The Troubled Heart is a mellow album that contains much that will appeal to the more mature amongst us who will probably find that the songs therein will resonate (very gently) with something inside themselves. Might also be a good thing to listen to when feeling hungover as well? It is that kind of soothing.