Hit Like A Girl is an attention-grabbing artist name that definitely raises expectations (and eyebrows) for the music you’re about hear. And Nicolle Maroulis’ new album You Make Sense certainly is attention-grabbing, though perhaps not in the ways you’d expect. Most of the tracks on the record follow a pretty standard rock-arrangement: guitars and drum tracks are well-executed throughout, though they don’t break down any walls, musically. What’s disarming and breath-taking are Maroulis’ voice and lyrics. "And although I never met your mom and dad / you were the best thing that I ever had" she sings on "The Song I Hoped You’d Never Hear." Gut punch. Moments like that are scattered throughout the album, knocking the wind out of you when you least expect it. You Make Sense may seem like a traditional alt-rock album- but if you really listen, there’s a fragile intimacy and unexpected beauty. – Geena Kloeppel
