Sophie B. Hawkins’ second album was a commercial disaster when it was released late in the summer of 1994. A year later, she had a Top Ten single with “As I Lay Me Down.” That slow climb to the top is a fairly good indication of both the pleasures and flaws of Whaler. More subdued than Tongues and Tails, the songs on Whaler have subtler melodies and arrangements which take a while to sink in. Although the album isn’t quite as energetic as Tongues and Tails, Whaler is a more consistent record, with a number of engaging songs. – Stephen Thomas Erlewine