Racine
Move over, Alanis. Step aside, Jewel. Sass Jordan, a singer and songwriter from Montreal, could give most singer-songwriters attitude lessons. She's got a strong, gut-deep voice, and onRacine, her second album, she does as the album title implies and goes back to her roots. The result is a fine selection of rock and roll, with more than a hint of the blues in it. "Make You a Believer," "Time Flies," and "Who Do You Think You Are" are especially strong, showing off Jordan's voice to its best advantage. Bypassing the women-in-rock movement entirely--you're unlikely to find her performing at the Lilith Fair--Jordan heads straight for the rock. Not nearly as well known outside of Canada as she should be, Sass Jordan is well worth discovering for yourself.--Genevieve Williams