August 30th

The tenure of Patty Loveless at Epic and, more important, her collaborations there with producer/husband Emory Gordy Jr. have given us some of country music's best moments, regardless of era. With "Strong Heart," Loveless' first studio album in nearly three years, she may not reach the forlorn heights of such neo-classics as "When Fallen Angels Fly" and "Trouble With The Truth," but she offers plenty of brilliance and more versatility than perhaps ever before. "The Last Thing On My Mind" is all hillbilly angst, while the title cut is smooth, understated elegance. But where Loveless and Gordy truly surprise is with the funky blues grit of "You Don't Get No More" and "The Key Of Love," with Loveless harking back to her rock club days of yore. The album's showpiece is "Thirsty," a powerhouse ballad with Travis Tritt that unfolds with easy grace before delivering one of Loveless' finest vocal performances ever -- which is saying a lot. With a voice as pure as Appalachian spring water, Loveless remains one of country music's brightest treasures, and country radio and fans should welcome her back with open arms.