There's no debate that with its monster hook, the song "The One" catapulted Tracy Bonham into the limelight last year. She captured Boston's attention by following in the vein of Tanya Donelly and Juliana Hatfield, producing forceful, frenzied chords at odds with her physical stature. She plays passionately, and in the end, the music she makes only complements her sweet voice. On her debut album, The Burdens of Being Upright (Island), Bonham displays her full range. She begins a soothing story that ends with urgent wails on "Sharks Don't Sleep," and wears her emotions on her sleeve in her current radio hit, the feverish "Mother Mother." Then she turns melodic and gentle on "30 Seconds" and "The Real." In all her songs, whatever the pain or confusion she expresses, Bonham's underlying strength is evident. Her complaints are both warning and affirmation.

-- Amy Steele