Deeply etched with emotion, Emma Donovan’s resounding vocal performances make us feel every nuance of her often autobiographical lyrics. On “Crossover”, the poignant title track of her second album, backed by instrumental soul ensemble The Putbacks, Donovan longs for her departed mother, whom she lost while pregnant herself. Other personal accounts of family life thread through her songs, as when she recounts her nana’s head-turning fashion sense on “Pink Skirt”. Yet she’s equally powerful reflecting on daily life as an Indigenous Australian, whether on the poverty-inspired “Leftovers” or the empowering call-to-arms “Mob March”. Contrasted with The Putbacks’ funky sizzle, “Black Woman” sees her unpack her time in a violent relationship. Donovan has also cut memorable collaborations with Archie Roach, Paul Kelly and Spinifex Gum, tapping into a full range of stylistic flourishes that befits someone who grew up singing church music and country tunes with her family band. Rightfully earning comparisons to Sharon Jones and Aretha Franklin, Donovan puts her entire personality—and her continuing personal journey—into everything she sings.