Just Because I'm a Woman: The Songs of Dolly Parton
It’sJoan Osbornewho sums it up best in the promotional material accompanying this tribute album: "Dolly Partonis a gifted artist cleverly disguised as a media superstar and sex bomb." Osborne’s got it right. Beyond and beneath Parton’s well-publicized and oft-caricatured curves and angles, lurks the heart and soul of one of modern country music’s very best songwriters--thebest, perhaps, since the greatLoretta Lynn. In fitting celebration of the 35th anniversary of the release ofJust Because I’m A Woman, Parton’s very first solo album, contemporary leading ladies of country and pop, includingNorah Jones,Alison Krauss,Shania Twain, Joan Osborne,Melissa Etheridge,Emmylou Harris, andSinead O’Connorhave offered up worthy new interpretations of some of Parton’s classic compositions.  That said, some of the highlights here are from lesser-known singers: Mindy Smith’s haunting rendition of "Jolene,"Kasey Chambers’bitter-sweet take on "Little Sparrow," andAllison Moorer’stender turn on "Light Of A Clear Blue Morning."--Bob Allen