It would be easy to call 's answer to ; after all, they both began their career in Canada (although was raised in America), both came into music through artier pursuits, and both blend trad-style twang with a modernist lyrical perspective. But also has a couple more important things in common with -- she has a superb voice that's as big as all outdoors, and there's nothing at all ironic about her love for the luxurious sadness of classic . fronts a dramatically revamped line-up of on her second solo album, , and it's even stronger and more impressive than her fine debut set, co-wrote all of the album's 12 songs, and the material strikes a more deeply personal note this time out, from the busted romance of and to the road-weary and unsentimental nostalgia of (not many artists could put a lump in your throat at the notion of a Wal-Mart replacing the old downtown, but does it here). 's vocals are superb from front to back, as smooth and fiery as good brandy, and her revolving circle of musicians (including on backing vocals) are subtle and beautifully evocative, balancing sorrow and good times with an easy grace. Dozens of artists have wrung cheap laughs from the sound and feel of classic , but understands the honest emotions and working-class poetry brought to their best music, and if her own take on such things is a bit different, makes clear how deeply she cares for this music, and confirms her status as one of 's strongest artists. ~ Mark Deming