The sepia-toned pop of Italian vocalist Arisa almost seems to have burst out from an earlier era—even the minor digital touches enhancing some of her singles can't remove the sense that her graceful lilt and gentle touch belong to a different time. Born Rosalba Pippa, Arisa excels at conversational pop dialogues, murmuring close to the microphone her languorous ballads detailing long nights spent alone. But she's also ready to kick up her heels on string-bedecked indie laments or piano-pounding anthems of emotional distress, always maintaining a discreet charm.