Beth Orton

Comfort of Strangers is the fifth studio album by English singer-songwriter Beth Orton, released in February 2006. Produced by Jim O'Rourke (known for his work with Wilco), the record marked a departure from the "folktronica" sound of her earlier work, opting instead for a raw, stripped-back folk-rock and acoustic style.

The album was recorded in just two weeks at New York's Sear Sound studio.

It features Orton on guitar, piano, and harmonica, O'Rourke on bass and marimba, and Tim Barnes on drums.

"Conceived" was the album's primary single.

Critics noted themes of "breaking free," acknowledging heartache, and moving forward with a sense of "hesitant hope".