By Elyssa A. Goldstein

On Feb. 28, 1995, the music world was introduced to 19-year-old Alaskan native, Jewel Kilcher, and her unique folk-rock music. Kilcher began performing at the age of five, and quickly developed a talent for writing honest, thought-provoking lyrics, illustrated masterfully on her debut, Pieces of You.

The album was recorded throughout 1994 in Los Angeles and on July 28 and 29 at San Diego’s Inner Change as part of a showcase to introduce the world to the music of Jewel. What sets Kilcher apart from any other female with an acoustic guitar is her folk, blues and jazz-influenced vocals (complete with a stunning yodel) and her knack for crafting a pop hook.

“Who Will Save Your Soul” opens the album with a mid-tempo groove and a set of lyrics that makes one question his or her own beliefs. The title track, “Pieces of You,” is where the real Jewel is able to shine-raw lyrics and uncensored subject matter. The song deals with issues of beauty, homosexuality and anti-Semitism at a time when such things were not necessarily hot topics of discussion.

“Foolish Games” is the album’s standout track with its haunting piano melody and heartbreaking lyrics. If Jewel’s impressive vocal ability was ever doubted, one listen to this track will quickly quell any fears. “I’m Sensitive” and “You Were Meant For Me” received tremendous fan response for their honest simplicity and catchy melodies. The latter track highlights the richness in Kilcher’s voice and her passionate lyrics about the better side of love, something the listener had not been exposed to before.

“Daddy” is a song written about a man Kilcher knew as a child who wouldn’t let his children watch black people on television, providing yet another example of Jewel’s willingness to write about issues that many other musicians tend to avoid because of their controversial nature. “Amen” closes the album with a prayer for the souls of the world, partly providing the answers to the questions raised in “Who Will Save Your Soul” at the start of the record.

Jewel’s style has changed dramatically over the past decade, but just one spin of Pieces of You will bring the listener back to the melodic honesty that defined Jewel at the start of her career.

The Chronicle gives ´Pieces of You´, by Jewel three 1/2 out of five stars.