Karine Polwart

Though Scottish singer/songwriter Karine Polwart's music might be considered slightly run-of-the-mill when it comes to traditional Scottish folk music, her emotive lyrics--ranging from subjects of genocide and alcoholism to broken-hearts and death--help the talented songstress rise to the forefront of the myriad of other contemporary European chanteuses. Ever since releasing her debut album, Faultlines, in 2003, Polwart has continually been releasing impressive albums to critical acclaim. And while the subject-matter of the majority of her songs are typically doleful her dismal lyrics add multifaceted layers of depth to her otherwise straightforward Scottish folk tunes.