Absence really must make even a musical heart grow fonder. This is Kelly Willis' first release in 5 years, and there are 12 reasons presented here as to why that was too long to wait. Some female vocalists search for songs that will adequately show off their pipes. Willis displays that she now only has one of the top voices in the genre, but the versatility to take on all stylings with equal aplomb.
Six songs were co-written by Willis and producer Chuck Prophet. "Sweet Little One" is the best of that lot and features the Tosca String Quartet and Greg Leisz on pedal steel. Willis' husband Bruce Robison shines on a couple of numbers like "Too Much To Lose."
She also includes a trio of covers, though none are as ambitious as Iggy Pop's "Success," which features The Gourds. Willis may not be the most prolific writer or performer and if she needs five years to produce a disc like this, it is a small price for the listener to pay.
