K.D. Lang Ingénue One Step - Because Sound Matters
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If Any Record Deserved an Audiophile Release, It’s This One: k.d. lang’s Ingénue
Some records are just made for the audiophile treatment. k.d. lang’s Ingénue, released in 1992, is one of them. A landmark album both critically and commercially, Ingénue was nominated for six Grammy Awards and won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for its iconic single, “Constant Craving.”
For years, this beloved album was largely confined to CD and cassette formats. A lone early vinyl pressing surfaced in Europe in 1992, but most listeners never had the chance to hear it on wax. Then came the 25th anniversary edition—a two-LP set that included her MTV Unplugged performance. Unfortunately, all previous vinyl editions were cut from digital sources.
That all changes now.
Finally: An All-Analog Master
The original Ingénue sessions were recorded to analog tape, and Chris Bellman has used those very tapes for this new pressing. It’s the first truly all-analog version of this album, released by Because Sound Matters—a relatively new player in the audiophile space. After launching with three One-Step pressings of Linkin Park titles (which didn’t interest me), they had my full attention with this one.
Even with just one review out at the time (Michael Fremer’s glowing write-up in Tracking Angle), I knew I didn’t want to miss it. Yes, $99 is a steep price, but for a record I’ve loved for decades, I took the plunge—and I’m glad I did.
Let’s take a look at the physical package and the sound.
Packaging and Pressing Quality
Like most One-Steps, this release comes in a slipcase. Compared to the linen-textured cases from Craft or the lavish, extra-booklet editions from Impex, this box is simpler but still attractive. The matte-textured case features silver embossed print—but unfortunately, the silver didn’t adhere well, which feels like a QC miss.
Inside is a low-gloss gatefold jacket by Stoughton with beautiful interior photography and a printed lyric/credit sheet. No booklet, but everything is tastefully done. The custom labels are also a nice touch.
This was my first experience with a Because Sound Matters pressing, done at RTI using their new VR900 vinyl formula (recently rebranded). My first reaction? Concern. Under bright halogen light, the LP looked a mess—greasy, dusty, static-laden. Not something you want to see on a premium pressing.
Thankfully, after two rounds on my VPI 16.5 vacuum cleaner, things improved significantly. But even then, the first play revealed some distracting ticks—particularly on “Save Me.” I halted playback and turned to the ultimate rescue tool: a double cycle with my friend’s Degritter. That did the trick. What emerged was a flawless, pristine listening experience.
What About the Sibilance?
If you know the CD, you know it can be a little hot in the “S” department. There are online reports of sibilance on this pressing, but in my experience, that hasn’t been an issue.
I listened on two front-ends: my VPI Scout with a classic platter and the Fezz Audio PP500 cartridge (in for review), and my Perpetuum Ebner turntable with an Ortofon Quintet Black S (a Shibata stylus). Both handled the album beautifully. The occasional brightness in the vocal is in the recording itself—but Bellman’s mastering tames it. On a well-set-up system, it's simply not a distraction.
Musicality and Sonics
From the moment “Save Me” begins—emerging from inky black silence with gentle percussion and a guitar strum—you know you’re in for something special. The bass enters and the room fills with sound: lush, wide, detailed, dynamic, and inviting.
k.d. lang’s voice is front and center, slightly forward, intimate yet powerful. It has all the inflection, nuance, and emotional depth you could want. “The Mind of Love” is another standout—absolutely gorgeous, with arrangements that create a sustained, atmospheric mood. This record flows like a film score: rich, subtle, immersive.
The instrumentation deserves praise. Guitars, bass, strings, accordion, viola—they’re all layered tastefully, never showy. “Miss Chatelaine,” the album’s second single, still surprised me after all these years. The vinyl lets you hear into the arrangement in a way the CD never did. I noticed new details, not because they were spotlit, but because the mastering and pressing allowed them to emerge naturally.
“Wash Me Clean” showcases lang’s vocal dynamics. It’s a masterclass in subtlety and control—her voice soars, whispers, and flows with breathtaking realism.
Final Thoughts
This is one of the most satisfying vinyl listens I’ve had in a long time. If your system is dialed in, this record will reward you with sound that’s lush, spacious, and emotionally resonant. Just be sure to clean it thoroughly before play.
Is $99 a lot? Yes. But in this case, it feels justified. Bellman’s mastering work is exceptional, and this pressing is a big upgrade over the CD. For serious fans of the album—or just lovers of great sound—this is a no-brainer.
If you're not ready to jump in at that price, the $35 reissue (cut from digital, with bonus tracks) is still available and a solid alternative. But for a true audiophile experience? This is the Ingénue we’ve been waiting for.
