Beth OrtonComfort of StrangersAstralwerksFour out of five stars

In a world of lip augmentation, road-hogging Hummer H2s and super-sized combo meals, it’s hard to believe that less is more.

But after a listen to Beth Orton’s Comfort of Strangers, you might be convinced.

That’s because it possesses a subtle brilliance; its miniature melodies are the perfect balance to Orton’s rich voice.

Recorded in just two weeks with producer Jim O’Rourke (Wilco, Loose Fur), Comfort is Orton’s best in years-beautifully simplistic and not overly ambitious.

“Countenance” exemplifies the album’s formula for success; its stripped-down folk melody is the perfect foundation for Orton’s gorgeous, honeyed vocals.

With instrumentation that rarely progresses past simple percussion and buoyant piano rhythms, Comfort is a refreshing departure from Orton’s recent albums.

Her 2002 album, Daybreaker, was an overdone, unfocused effort with unconvincing and sterile vocals. What is most comforting, then, about Comfort is Orton’s return to warmth.

“Shopping Trolley,” though the album’s loudest track, maintains the clarity and tightness that makes the album a successful effort-for which O’Rourke deserves more than a little credit because of his delicate production.

Never overly sentimental, uplifting and bittersweet is the tone of Comfort-a gorgeous effort from an incredibly talented artist.