Remember Zero 7, Simple Things? That album that reached you in your dark place and drug you out, clear, free, and nearly unscathed?

Breath. Sigh. As one of the first places (if not the first place) to listen to Sia dominate the vocal landscape, its uniqueness, in hindsight, can be seen in this album’s minimalistic approach to her undisputed talent (and minimal use). In fact, avid listeners of this album can certainly overlook that she is even featured on it.

In fact, many of the album’s perfect 14 tracks are wholly instrumental. Flawless, intelligent arrangements keep the pace of this album lifted and airy, giving it that power that music only has to look into your face and say, “I know it, buddy. I’ve been there. But what do you really have to worry about? Life is actually beautiful.”

(Editor’s note: The above quote is not really a quote.)

Soothing Aloe strings and a drum and bass combination that provides Vitamin E smoothness traipse easily from track to track, mixing with electric piano and acoustic guitar to provide a sound that is, in every way, undefineable. Like the smell of just walking into the door at home, or the touch of sun on your skin.

Each track unpretentiously bides its time, patiently letting the complex harmonies take root over a backing beat tranquil and unruffled enough to ice skate on.

To be honest, I’ve been sitting here trying to determine the best way to do this remarkable album justice. After an emergency lifeline phone call to probe Taylor’s thoughts (who incidentally introduced me to this album), I’d like to end off with this single thought.

In the myriad of circumstances and events in my recent life that have been effected by this album, be they wholly benign, intolerably low, or outrageously ecstatic, there will never be an album that could fill each next void, each next moment like this one has and continues to do.