Pain to Kill
The Canadian Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year for three years running, Terri Clark isn't even close to anyone's idea of a diva. WithPain to Kill, her fifth collection of songs, she returns to her more upbeat side after the introspective nature of her previous set,Fearless. Here she proves that she's a take-no-prisoners type of woman who isn't afraid to have a strong side and tell you exactly what she thinks, while making sure to keep it country. Fans ofMary Chapin Carpenterand, perhaps,Emmylou Harris, may find a lot to like here as Clark in many ways, including vocally, takes a cue from their renowned mix of assertiveness, humanity, and winning melodies.--Jim Caligiuri