After releasing two albums and a slew of radio hits, pop singer Britt Nicole is ready to re-introduce herself, in a sense, with Acoustic EP. No matter what artist they're coming from, acoustic tracks are always a treat for fans to hear their favorite songs presented in a "stripped down" manner, using sparse instrumentation. Sometimes, the songs are nearly unrecognizable because they stray so far from the sound of the original version. Acoustic tracks are the type that you either love them or hate them. With Britt's new EP, it's really hard not to love them.

Featuring stunning renditions of songs from Say It and The Lost Get Found (one from the former, four from the latter), this barely even sounds like the Britt Nicole her listeners have come to know. Her signature teen pop sound is transformed into a mature contemporary style. Each of these songs sounds almost entirely different from their original forms, especially a "ballad" style version of her biggest hit, "The Lost Get Found." Britt channels her inner Bethany Dillon on "Hanging On," which sounds even better than its original version. The biggest surprise here is definitely the piano-led take on "Headphones," one of the most upbeat and poppy songs from her last album. The only downfall of the EP is that the majority of the songs chosen were ballads, which are the ones that most easily transform into an acoustic setting. I would've liked to have seen Britt take a more risky route, and use some of her more upbeat songs like "Glow" or "Good Day."

The EP also includes a new track co-written with Brandon Heath, "Found By You," which keeps the acoustic style of the other songs, and works out as a fantastic closer. Its beautiful, calm sound and simple (yet powerful) lyrics make it destined to be a radio hit.

It's clear to see that Britt has matured as an artist, and I can't help but wonder if this is the direction Britt will take for her next full-length album. But until then, this EP is a must-have for all of Britt's fans, and I highly recommend it for listeners who thought her previous work was a bit too "poppy," especially fans of the adult contemporary genre.

- PReview date: 7/28/10, Review date: 8/21/10, written by Matthew Watson of Jesusfreakhideout.com