Never Just a Dream is the debut full-length release by Toronto-based Emma-Lee yet she already sounds like a seasoned and confident recording artist. With a gorgeous and alluring voice that’s by turns delicate (“Bruise Easily,” “Where You Want to Be”), sultry (“Flow,” “Older Man”), and powerful (“Jealousy”) — and that brings to mind another Canadian chanteuse, kd lang — she’s in full command of these 10 excellent originals. Her songs blend together elements of jazz, folk, and pop, and her vocal chops, strong lyrics, and compelling song arrangements work beautifully in this setting. She maintains a simmering emotional intensity for the entire album while offering occasional jazzy interludes that break the tension as on the title track and “Mr. Buttonlip.” A remarkable talent with a wealth of promise (she made iTunes Canada’s list of “Best Singer-Songwriters of 2008”) Emma-Lee is definitely one to watch.