Featuring some of 's best and most original material -- as well as a few equally brilliant cover songs -- blurs the lines between the 's Texas-rooted and the urban scene. has once again expanded her arrangements to include the five-piece and also a few well-placed guest spots from (vocals), (electric bass), (vocals), and (string arrangements/producer). The album's darker -oriented material can arguably be attributed to 's involvement. Of the 11 tracks, all but three are originals. Among them are some of the album's best material. As she had done with her crossover hit beautifully interprets another composition, The cover of 's introspective masterpiece is not only one of this album's finest tracks, but it is also among the highlights of all the material during her five-year tenure with . The remarkable intimacy she brings to the piece recalls her days on and songs such as and The third cover is of ' somber While 's vocals don't contain the huskiness and tragedy of the author, they add an even more distressing facet to the lyrics -- perhaps coming from a deeper place within the artist. There are a few all-stars among 's compositions as well. continues the overtly political messages that she often credits to the enormous influence that have had on her life and work. is full of the wit and innocuous charm that have continued to make such an endearing composer and performer. While not her best disc during the late '80s/early '90s, is a solid effort with some of her most mature material to date. ~ Lindsay Planer