Singer/songwriter Kristina Train has been creating some buzz with her debut album, Spilt Milk. Due to her husky, soul-tinged vocals, critics have frequently compared her with the late Dusty Springfield. But her jazz, country, and pop sound lean more toward Blue Note label-mate Norah Jones and Carole King. No matter the influence, Train moves toward establishing her own sound on her highly personal work, mainly tackling subjects like heartbreak and moving on from relationships.  Her introspective lyrics and multi-genre sound demand repeated listenings to fully appreciate her talent.

Jones comparisons will surely arise upon listening to the album's title track. The quiet, intimate tone and soft piano recall "Don't Know Why," although the chorus contains more volume and power. Her soulful voice and gospel-tinged piano clearly communicate the song's emotion: "So don't say I'm crying/Over spilt milk again," she croons, summing up the lyrics's heartbreak. "Don't Remember" also incorporates some jazz-like chord changes, although the chorus includes strings and louder instrumentation than Jones's more spare arrangements.

Other tracks sound like Train listened to King's Tapestry while recording the album. "Don't Beg for Love" features piano and introspective lyrics, chronicling the end of an affair. "I'm tired but I'm still here," she sighs as a trumpet plays mournful notes. Still, her defiant tone suggests that she's a survivor, someone beyond her still-tender years. "It's Over Now" may boast a more dramatic string arrangement than King ever used, but its melancholy and piano-dominant sound definitely recalls King's landmark album.

Train possesses an impressive range, particularly evident on "You're Still Going to Lose," where she fully explores her voice's higher and lower registers. Other tracks like "Half Light" and "Far From the Country" also demonstrate her vocal power and show off her love of soul. The latter sounds so soulful that Alicia Keys could have performed the tune. The soul-tinged songs should come as no surprise, since Train's co-writer is Eg White, the composer of Adele's "Chasing Pavements."