In Brief

* * * 1/2 Sarah McLachlan, “Solace,” Nettwerk/Arista. Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins and Sandy Denny are names often used as reference points for women singer-songwriters, but rarely with the appropriateness of McLachlan. The Canadian’s second album gorgeously recalls all three--plus a strong dose of Sinead O’Connor--without sounding derivative. Strong, emotional songwriting and singing with atmospheric yet involving production by Daniel Lanois associate Pierre Marchand make this an enticing offering.