Every genre of music has its leading ladies.

In American folk pop, we have Regina Spektor and Fiona Apple. And with the release of Sarah Blasko’s As Day Follows Night, the Australian singer-songwriter is on her way to joining the ranks of folk pop’s finest.

Produced by Bjorn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John, Blasko released the album in July of 2009 in Australia, but the record has now reached the United States.

The opening track entitled “Down On Love” is adorned with dainty piano notes and softly spoken vocals. And while this track lyrically addresses themes of hope, “Lost & Defeated” evidently crushes these hopes later on in the album.

Blasko’s songwriting is obviously reminiscent of a broken heart, and for a record that dives straight into emotionally drenched lyrics, there’s something optimistic about the album in its entirety.

As Day Follows Night reveals a focus on bass, percussion and vocals as tracks like “Is My Baby Yours” highlights flamenco tinges and reluctant vocals.

Blasko sets a relaxed jazz club vibe from the very start, taking you back to the era of Jazz divas in “Bird On A Wire” when bending notes like Billie Holiday’s business.

“No Turning Back” is perhaps the album’s strongest track, featuring insistent pounding of drum beats (clearly Yttling’s doing) opposite the lowest piano notes that appear on this record.

With each song having the potential to be a single, Blasko riddles each track with a modest and clever attitude that makes the emotional baggage of breakups seem more artistic than somber.