Christina Perri's 'Head or Heart' review: Balancing thoughts, feelings

Christina Perri broke into the mainstream with her wrenching ballad "Jar of Hearts" and her distinctive, plaintive voice. On her sophomore album, "Head or Heart" (Atlantic), she tries to broaden her appeal by, well, sounding happy. Sure, "Butterfly" is another over-the-top ballad and the first single, "Human," is a bit maudlin and dramatic. ("I'm only human," she sings. "I bleed when I fall down.") But the uplifting, sorta-dancey "Burning Gold" is a great change of pace, like Arcade Fire fronted by Tegan and Sara. And "Be My Forever," a playful duet with Ed Sheeran, should break her out of sad-girl typecasting for good.

CHRISTINA PERRI

"Head or Heart"

THE GRADE B-

BOTTOM LINE Balancing her thoughts and her feelings.