Following a hiatus from the music industry, singer/songwriter Billie Myers is returning this September with Tea and Sympathy, her third studio album and first in nine years. The name may not initially sound familiar, but think back to 1998 when a heart-searching tune that was a visceral reaction to infidelity called "Kiss the Rain" struck it big. Ring any bells? "Kiss the Rain" peaked at no. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 31 weeks on the chart.

The song also snagged invitations to perform on numerous programs, such as Top of the Pops and The Rosie O'Donnell Show. Even sweeter were sales of her debut record, Growing, Pains, which achieved gold record status. After touring the country as a member of Lilith Fair, Myers began work on an even more ambitious effort titled Vertigo. Rawer, lusher, and showcasing more acoustic elements than its predecessor, Vertigo was predicated on Myers' ability to drive home a note that soared far above instruments and conveyed a sense of urgency she undoubtedly felt when writing the songs. So involved was Myers in putting together the record that she gained co-production credit.

"I don't know that I'll ever be considered cool," Myers told Billboard shortly after Vertigo's release, "but people will either take me for who I am or they won't. I'll always be a writer, and I hope to always be a singer."

Her hopes were jeopardized after Universal Records dropped her, citing meager sales of Vertigo. In spite of her successes and overwhelming critical praise (Billboard deemed her "one of the most gifted" new pop artists in 1997), no immediate record deals came to fruition. As the female singer/songwriter wave of the 90s gradually flattened, Myers continued to craft music, but doubts formed. Anxieties later manifested themselves in actions. Myers developed a cleaning compulsion and consequently trashed anything she considered clutter, including clothes in which she performed and musical equipment.

Fast-forward to today. Myers has washed her hands of the increasingly commercialized and superficial recording industry and is releasing Tea and Sympathy on her independent record label, Fruit Loop Records. She constantly interacts with fans on her Facebook fan page and treats them to the occasional unreleased track (the standout of which has been "1000 Pieces Later"). On MySpace, Myers indulges fans with "New Music Tuesday," the day on which she posts an exclusive Tea and Sympathy track. Most recently, Myers began an Unscripted series, featured on her YouTube channel, in which she candidly discusses individual Tea and Sympathy tracks. That she is releasing the album without promotional assistance from a major label does not seem to daunt her. In fact, she maintains a stellar sense of humor as she prepares for the new record's release: "Feel free to run naked down the street yelling, 'Billie Myers has a new album coming out,'" she wrote to fans via Facebook, indicating a word-of-mouth campaign is essential in order for Tea and Sympathy to take flight. So far, so good. Reaction to the album's first single, sarcastically titled "I Hope You're Happy Now," has been overwhelmingly positive.

"I Hope You're Happy Now" is characterized by a never-really-that-great, but nonetheless significant love. Myers is known for crafting songs that relate to the human condition, and "Happy Now" is no exception. Elegantly written and compellingly delivered, "Happy Now" offers what fans have been waiting for: a powerful and emotive voice, a contemporary ballad sound, and rich, poignant lyrics. "Happy Now" is not a repeat performance of "Kiss the Rain." Like most skilled artists, Myers metamorphoses in ways that keep listeners intrigued. In terms of "Happy Now," an ironically gorgeous piano and equally delightful strings are introduced, only to be followed by bitter words, palpably sung by a scorned lover: Another drink to get me drunk / Another wall I'll have to punch / God knows I'd kill myself to get over you / I hope you're happy now. The contrast between the sound and the lyrics works.

Just when one develops a perception that Tea and Sympathy will be a collection of angry, dejected songs, Myers throws a curve ball she calls "Wonderful." Even Myers herself is surprised. "God forbid I'm even positive on one song!" she jokes on her official Facebook fan page. In reality, however, it is a brilliant move. "Wonderful" may be Myers' most extraordinary work to date. Perhaps it is the astonishingly lighthearted nature of the song. Maybe it is the vocals, which sound as though nine years of practice have helped perfect the tune. Or maybe it just is what it is. One thing is for certain, however: This romantic ditty is eventually followed up with "Not Another Love Song," which was written about the same person for whom Myers harbored warm sentiments on "Wonderful." Eat your words, Myers writes for "Not Another Love Song." Mine are tasteless / They were kissed by your razors. Ah, the venom and unpredictability we all love!

Tea and Sympathy will be released September 1, 2009. "I Hope You're Happy Now" is already available for download on iTunes.

Track List for Tea and Sympathy:

1. "Lady Jane"
2. "Wonderful"
3. "Send Me An Angel (Is God Dead?)"
4. "I Hope You're Happy Now"
5. "You Wear Heaven"
6. "Anonymous"
7. "No Regrets Allowed"
8. "Not Another Love Song"
9. "Flying"
10. "Painfully Happy"

Check out the links below for more information:
http://www.billiemyers.com
http://www.facebook.com/BillieMyersFanPage
http://www.myspace.com/billiemyers

Preview "I Hope You're Happy Now" and watch the Unscripted series here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/BillieMyersMusic