Laura Marling was just 16 when she started making a name for herself on the London folk circuit. At 18 she was nominated for the Mercury Prize for her debut album, “Alas I Cannot Swim” and now at the grand old age of 20 she releases her second album, “I Speak Because I Can”. In truth there is nothing ground breaking here. We’ve heard it all before. Whether it is Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell or even Beth Orton, you can make comparisons to dozens of artists that have treaded this ground before. But that’s not really the point with this album. Not everyone can push new boundaries and not everybody should. What Marling has created here is a coherent, consistent and charming set of songs, tied together by her often stunning vocals. Don’t waste your time picking over the influences, just enjoy it for what it is.