Although classically trained, the vibrant tapestries Casey Stratton has woven on "Standing at the Edge" should be called alternative adult contemporary, since they thread together multiple layers of those worlds. His commanding but sweet voice soars over songs that producer Patrick Leonard (Madonna) artfully shaped by preserving the delicate melodies within a sturdy pop framework. Stratton channels Tori Amos' deftness at piano and composition most prominently in "For Reasons Unexplained," which struggles with the ins and outs of saving a relationship. "Bloom" sets bold declarations of love against a string bed that will bring tears to the eyes, while "Dead Sea" is full of sorrow. "Ocean" finds the artist casting fear aside and plunging into the sea of joyous possibilities. What a breathtaking debut.

-CLT