On her 29th album, continues the evolution from innocent folkie to present day renaissance woman. Alternately sparse and lush, can be seen as a companion piece to 1995's with the production credits going to (who previously worked with engineering and mixing ). Here, drum loops and middle eastern melodies nestle in comfortably next to warm guitar work and ' gently wavering voice. Her extensive guest work on dozens and dozens of recent releases (showing up on albums by everyone from to ) pays off with great help from , and , and even alt-rock upstarts 's . The diverse production only adds to ' earthy songwriting, adding interest to what could otherwise be lulls during the more subdued songs, and really showcases the understated lyrics that the singer has slowly become recognized for. The teary dirge written for her father (who died in 1993) wrings with emotion and ethereal atmosphere, while (co-written with ) is an upbeat and jangly pop song, complete with hip-shakin' tambourine. While this is a big departure from her rootsy '70s releases like , it still burns with an honest intensity and clear voice that is known for 20 years later. ~ Zac Johnson