Dido"s debut is molded from Sarah McLachlan"s intimate soul, Sinéad O"Connor"s Celtic yelp, and Beth Orton"s morose resolve--with all the sharp edges rounded out. Sculpted by producers Rollo (her brother) and techno-scientist Youth, No Angel is dream-pop mixed with Portishead-esque trip-hop; the results are midtempo ballads that would feel at home in Seal"s neighborhood. The melancholy opener, "Here with Me," incorporates acoustic rhythm guitar, fluid strings, and a snare-driven tempo that simulates the slapping of rain off a windshield. "My Lover"s Gone" is ethereal and misty, sounding at once ancient and modern with its synthesized ocean sounds and seagull cries. The only clunker is "Don"t Think of Me," a passive, soft-bellied cousin to Alanis Morissette"s "You Oughta Know." These songs play out beautifully in that quiet zone between slumber and consciousness--where you can see everything behind closed eyes. --Beth Massa