Patty Loveless Classics Lyrics

Other country divas may be younger, sexier, and flashier, yet when it comes to sheer intensity, soulfulness, and powerful yet subtle vocal brilliance, Kentucky-born Patty Loveless towers above the rest. The proof is this gemlike 12-song collection that reprises the commercial highlights of what has thus far proven to be Loveless's vintage years: her four-album, seven-year stint with Epic under the direction of husband Emory Gordy Jr. Three newer tunes round out this "hits" collection, including "My Kind of Woman, My Kind of Man," a pleasant duet with Vince Gill originally found on Gill's The Key. However, these new tracks sound like mere outtakes when sandwiched between so many powerhouse No. 1 singles. Taken in the context of Nashville's current drift toward trivializing and even dumbing down mainstream country's traditional strengths and values, Loveless's performances on Classics sound more like some fiery brand of musical salvation than mere artistic brilliance. --Bob Allen