(no, it's not a hits collection) makes it clear just how much grows with each album she releases. Three years on from , she sounds reinvented yet again: returned to Memphis, TN -- where she recorded nearly a decade earlier -- to make an homage to the Southern and she listened to as a young girl. Working with great musicians such as , , and , she crafted an album that is even more focused and accessible than was, and pushes her even closer toward straightforward territory. The title track is a subtle but powerful statement of purpose: with its lush, strings and lyrics about a young boy who wanted to become a boxer, the song is as moving as her earlier work but also a big step away from the angst-ridden diary- that her music is sometimes categorized as. Likewise, on the -tinged and the charming is sexy, strong, and playful, and far from the stereotype of her as a frail, howling waif. But the truth is, sweet Southern songs like these have been in her repertoire since 's ( are also touchstones for this album); is just a more polished, palatable version of this side of her music. This is the most listenable album has made, and one that could easily win her lots of new fans. It's also far from a sell-out -- sounds like the album wanted to make, without any specific (or larger) audience in mind. And yet, the very things about that make it appealing to a larger audience also make it less singular and sublime than, say, or . The productions and arrangements on songs like are so immaculate and intricate that they threaten to overwhelm 's gorgeous voice. And, occasionally, the album's warm, soulful, laid-back vibe goes from mellow to sleepy, particularly on Two of 's best songs show that she doesn't need to be edgy and tortured or gussied up with elaborate productions to sound amazing: reaffirms that all needs is a piano and that voice to make absolutely spellbinding music. On the other hand, 's modern, complicated take on love gains a quiet intensity with judiciously used strings and keyboards. For what it is, is exceedingly well done, and people who have never heard of before could very well love this album immediately. However, it might take a little more work for those who have loved her music from the beginning. ~ Heather Phares