UK songstress Laura Marling sophomore album. Produced by Ethan Johns (Kings of Leon, Ryan Adams), 'I Speak Because I Can' is the follow up to Marling's lauded, mercury prize-nominated debut, 'Alas I Cannot Swim.'

Recorded in 2009 at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios, and featuring the talents of her backing band Mumford and Sons, the album reveals a new side to Laura Marling, whose debut was released when she was only seventeen years old. Its ten songs are imbued with a new richness, ripeness and sophistication, marked by hopun tales and sparse instrumentation. It showcases not only Marling's ability to tell one hell of a story, but her incredible guitar playing, which has grown more intricate since her first album.

Marling chose Ethan Johns to produce her new material, as she credits many of his earlier records (among them albums by Ray Lamontagne, Kings of Leon, Emmylou Harris, Sarabeth Tucek and more) with kindling her interest in music. She had long admired his way of working - his use of reels; his quiet, traditional methods of production; the warmth found within the records he produced. He gave her the space to find her own identity.

Marling's voice sounds a little harder, a little world-wearied, while still showcasing her impressive range not heard on previous recordings. and while 'I Speak Because I Can' is, at times, a darker album than its predecessor, it is a brilliant step forward from a young artist who continues to keep us awe-struck at her talent.