By: Jeff Meade

I might have guessed that any singer from the Orkney Islands would specialize in songs about seasonal affective disorder. Dark, cold winters and all.

Along comes Orcadian singer-guitarist Kris Drever with “Black Water.”

Yes, there are a few sad songs—songs of working-class travails and teary farewells. But even the sad tunes are infused with light and warmth.

Drever’s voice has a plangent quality—like a Scottish Rufus Wainwright. He has chosen songs that blend modern influences with age-old themes.

Duets with Kate Rusby and Eddi Reader are particularly lovely.

Picking the top three tunes was tough—they’re all superb.

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