Flags represents a risk for Brooke Fraser: It’s more difficult and less immediate than anything she’s done before. It’s more melancholy and introspective too, musically and lyrically. Not much of this would work as a World Vision soundtrack. But it is an accomplished and mature album.

“Who Are We Fooling” is an example of Fraser’s adept songwriting, recalling artists like Damien Rice and The Frames, with gorgeous harmonies subtly shifting throughout. This clear talent means Fraser has earned the right to stand on her own two feet in the cultural marketplace. She uses the platform to deliver faith-influenced lyrics which, while a bit less obvious than those on Albertine, are no less thoughtful. The genius “Crows + Locusts” ends with her quoting the hymn “Nothing But The Blood,” while the title track ends the album with Fraser singing the Beatitudes.

There is a mid-album lull, where “Coachell” feels throwaway and “Sailboats” just seems boring. This keep Flags from attaining masterpiece status. But as long as Fraser keeps makings songs like “Ice On Her Lashes,” she’ll continue to be one of the most gifted Christians artists around.

Four and a half stars out of five