Twenty years into her career -- and 10 beyond her oddly timed Grammy for "Best New Artist" -- Lynne seems to be getting only more honed and headstrong. The story behind her riveting new album proves the point.

Originally, Lynne recorded "Tears, Lies & Alibis" for the prestigious Lost Highway label. But when she delivered the early demos, the company insisted she bring in a big-name producer to give the music the right commercial gloss. Guess how that went over.

Lynne kept the final production and arrangements as spare and sharp as her singing. It's a sound as unwavering as a stare. If that makes the album sound difficult, or wanting for pleasure, neither proves to be the case. Lynne has written some of the most graceful and aching melodies of her career. More, the stripped accompaniment communicates focus and taste, rather than meagerness or withholding.
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