Critical
| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic | |
The album received mixed reviews in Australia. Writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, Bernard Zuel said that Higgins' second album was the chance to prove herself as a "special one", but that she had failed to do so. He called the album "attractive, in a comfortable way" and said that it would appeal to her fans, but said that Higgins is "no better or worse" than many other similar artists. Andrew Murfett for The Age was more positive and called the album "a convincing return". He cited "Secret" as a highlight and called the song "remarkably forthright". He also praised Froom's production.
In the US, reviews were also mixed but generally positive. Andrew Leahey of Allmusic said that On a Clear Night marks a development from The Sound of White and that the second album combines "sass with sweet sentiment" although at times is "a bit too calculated". He compared Higgins to Sarah McLachlan and Amy Winehouse, calling her "family friendly" but said that her popularity in Australia has not successfully spread to the US. A reviewer for Billboard noted that with this album, Higgins was trying to broaden her market and said that On a Clear Night would appeal to fans of KT Tunstall and the "Grey's Anatomy-soundtrack crowd". They said that "Steer" was a highlight and that Higgins sounded assured. Writing for Mix, Sarah Benzuly commented on Higgins' increased assertiveness with her second album and compared her to Sarah McLachlan and Alanis Morissette. She called the album lyrically rich and "beautifully stirring".
Read more about this topic: On A Clear Night, Reception
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