I finished Gwen's CD and feel the same about it. I'll give it a few more listening to see if the hooks become evident.

I am now listening to Damien Rice's O, which is one of my favorite albums of the new decade. His voice is so expressive, and the album feels so intimate. My favorites are "Delicate," "The Blower's Daughter" (currently being used in the movie Closer), and "Amie" (love that instrumental ending).

Maybe you were all faster than me
We gave each other up so easily
These silly little wounds will never mend
I feel so far from where I've been