“And you’re singing the song thinking this is the life, and you wake up in the morning and your head feels twice the size, where you gonna go, where you gonna sleep tonight…” This is one of the catchy choruses resounding over and over in my head after listening to the best undiscovered CD of 2008.

Twenty-one year-old, Scottish singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald is a marvel with the use of words, both in her writing and vocal deliverance of the flowing melodies, beautifully displayed on this debut album. MacDonald uses folk-style storytelling with maturity far beyond her years to create a most unique track list and even rarer Celtic rock sound.

Did I mention that the tracks are unique? A few examples are “Poison Prince,” which creates visions of gypsies, crystal balls and tambourines, as well as the melodic “A Wish For Something More” that showcases MacDonald’s full vocal texture. The sentimental “The Road Home” is a great close to a brilliant collection.

Grade: A

This Is The Life is currently available.