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.

Museum brings whaling history to life ... Back-to-school shopping ... Belmont Park reopening Credit: Newsday

Hofstra students weigh in on possible faculty strike ... Blakeman to make ICE announcement ... Back-to-school shopping ... Belmont Park reopening

Museum brings whaling history to life ... Back-to-school shopping ... Belmont Park reopening Credit: Newsday

Hofstra students weigh in on possible faculty strike ... Blakeman to make ICE announcement ... Back-to-school shopping ... Belmont Park reopening

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME