Singer-songwriter Meiko’s sophomore release, The Bright Side, stays true to the artist’s sweet spot – folk-pop tunes that rely on quirky, personal lyrics. But unlike her self-titled 2008 release, which was heavy-up on guitar-based songs, The Bright Side, finds Meiko experimenting more with more layers and textures with the help of producers Jimmy Messer, Greg Collins, and Belgian electro-pop wiz Styrofoam at the helm.

Album opener and lead single “Stuck On You” is a sweet, bubbly number that is sure to get your toe-tapping as Meiko croons with a joyful fervor of a girl in love. She continues that happy trend on “I’m in Love,” which features a bright horn solo against an uptempo electro-clap.

But fear not long-time Meiko fans, it’s not all sunny songs as she still has a knack for penning a soothing, melancholy gem.  As is the case in “Lie to Me,” which switches tempo speeds numerous times throughout the song after opening with a single acoustic guitar and drum beat.

On “Good Looking Loser” we are treated to a glimmer of the sharp-tongued Meiko that we fell in love with on her breakout hit in 2008’s “Boys with Girlfriends.” She quips at her ex-beau, “You’re a good looking loser/And I’m the one who got away.”

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