from: Billboard Magazine; week of October 7
author: ? [Billboard staff]
website: http://www.billboard.com

»» LEIGH NASH   Need To Be Next To You
Arista 3912
The lead vocalist from Sixpence None The Richer takes her first solo steps on this charming acoustic-pop strummer, featured on the motion picture soundtrack to "Bounce," which stars Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow. Nash's now distinctive, wonderfully ethereal delivery is the fuel that powers the Diane Warren-penned tune, which is not terribly different in style or instrumental execution from her band's output. While that serves the artist well, it's impossible not to wonder how disposable the rest of the Sixpence lineup is. Is this a temporary vacation from the band or the first phase of a solo transition? Only time will tell. In the meantime, bathe in the beauty of this track's romantic prose and sweeping, deliciously dramatic arrangement, courtesy of in-demand producer Matt Serletic. It's already beginning to connect with radio programmers, thus boding well for ist commercial future. This song flows as naturally as the mighty Mississippi; it could well be the one to make a name for Ms. Nash. ««