And this is pretty much what Jackie DeShannon has done for her first album since 1978 s Quick Touches . Instead of trying to recapture her previous musical styles, You Know Me presents a thoroughly contemporary Jackie at peace with herself and examining the world around her. Lyrically deep, this is Jackie s most mature collection to date. Musically complex, it is also the most radio-friendly album she s recorded, despite the lack of pressure for a hit from any record company executives. Wing Ryder is a tender country ballad revved up by soaring electric guitar, that cries out for a backing vocal by Emmylou Harris.
Any Heart is a rather generic ballad saved by a searing pedal-point guitar line.
Presumably written for Jackie s late mother, it seems to be a nostalgic look back at difficult but fondly remembered years. Set in a progressive folk-rock mood, it is like nothing Jackie has ever recorded before. To these ears, the album really takes off with the title track. Originally heard in Darlene Love s one-woman show, Jackie sings this inspirational track with soul and grace. It is simply one of the best vocal performances of her career.