Down to Earth Angel

If the title of her sophomore release‚ Down to Earth (out Tuesday)‚ doesn't spell it out for you‚ this lyric will make it clear that Jem is no diva: “Becoming a bitch is not what I got into music for.”

The Welsh-born L.A. habitué doesn't front with her music. The 12 sumptuous tracks of her follow-up to the international hit Finally Woken meld funky banjos to an early-70’s groove (“Crazy”)‚ gospel choirs to blues guitar (“Keep On Walking”) and a Japanese chorus to the drunken electro-pulse of “Aciid!” Through it all‚ her unruffled alto — simmering‚ breathy‚ alluring — keeps calm observation. Whether she's talking good love (“It's Amazing” from the Sex & the City soundtrack) or tough times (the post-9/11 ballad “You Will Make It” with South African vocalist Vusi Mahlasela)‚ she's not about to lose her head. Which is a good thing‚ as Down to Earth is poised to take Jem to the next level of stardom.

Down to Earth will be available September 16 from ATO Records.

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