Hey, remember Fiona Apple? Remember the first time you heard “Shadowboxer,” and you hadn’t heard a voice that rich since Tori rocked your world on Under the Pink? If you’re nodding your head and have already started humming “Pretty Good Year” to yourself, you’re ready for Wensday’s debut Album, Torch Rock.

Or if neither of those ladies is your cup of whiskey, you might be more impressed by Wensday’s resume. She’s worked with Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Kiss and Aerosmith. And while waiting for her lucky break, Wensday worked as a body piercer. Say it with me: Street. Cred.

Wensday blends the strong, aching voice of power balladeers like Fiona and Tori with the hard rock sensibilities of the bad boys she’s worked with. This is not a garage band singer putting her first hesitant foot into the music world: Wensday was trained in jazz, blues and opera, among other things. She works for her sound, and as a result each track sounds complete and rounded. She cites Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald as inspirations, and like those formidably song-birds she emotes fiercely through her songs. Grab a handkerchief and hold on to something when you put Torch Rock in the stereo; you’re in for a long, lovely ride.

Favorite Track: Track 4, “Heartbreak Saloon”