A songwriter has his or her entire life to write their first album, yet only a few years to provide the more difficult follow-up. The second album can usually either be labeled as a masterpiece, or a complete and utter failure. Annie Clark, a.k.a. St. Vincent, seems to have achieved middle ground with her sophomore effort. While the lyrics and music seem to follow Clark’s penchant for writing pitch-dark lyrics and layering them on top of lavish string and wind arrangements, the album lacks the focus and grace found on her debut. Almost every song seems to be a failed attempt at achieving the same quirky experimentation Clark’s music has previously been known for. Songs like “Actor Out Of Work” and first single “The Strangers” sound like rejects from a go at making a dance record, while “Black Rainbow” and “Marrow” offer an industrial edge that appears to be stolen from one of Trent Reznor’s notebooks. Still, Actor isn't without its shining moments, most of which are found near the end of the album on tracks “The Bed” and “The Party,” which are more akin to Marry Me - the good St. Vincent album. - Nick Truden