The Sophomore Album is usually that one where the pop artist decides they have to prove their worth. They settle down and pour tons of time into something more artistic with more serious lyrics, and so on and so on. A few good examples taken from popular music: Everclear, Coldplay, Incubus, John Mayer, Michelle Branch, Rufus Wainwright, and Kanye West. They all had varying amounts of success, but they're all still around. Add to that list Vanessa Carlton, because I'm stuck on her new album Harmonium. I was extremely hesitant when I got this album, because as I did I found out it was co-written with Stephan Jenkins, the front man from Third Eye Blind. And I don't like Third Eye Blind.Thankfully, this album is what a sophomore album should be - more distinct, more stylish, and letting go of what's popular without letting go of what's good. Her piano skills are still amazing, but instead of cheap, sappy pop tunes like "A Thousand Miles" and her cover of "Black," there's intellectually stimulating, emotionally pulling songs that grab you by your ear and then yank you by your heartstrings. The highlight of the album by far - to the point of 'Go pay $.99 for this on iTunes' - is 'Annie,' which tells the story of her meeting a young girl, terminal from cancer, whose Make-A-Wish was to meet her. It's powerful enough to make you grateful for your own existence. The rest of the album in my mind takes a huge backseat to that song, but even that said, those other 11 songs are a massive improvement over her last 11. Did I mention she's pretty cute?