Bettye LaVette

One of 2005's best releases, this aptly-titled album matches the soul legend with songs written by female songwriters, from Sinead O'Connor to Aimee Mann. LaVette's incendiary reading of Lucinda Williams' "Joy" alone rocks a million times harder and truer than anything the Stones have done in years, while she sends Dolly's "Little Sparrow" deep in a dark, devilish bayou.

Well-culled material sung harder than necessary, which was probably the idea ("Sleep to Dream," "How Am I Different"). (Grade - ***)