Melissa Etheridge

Maybe it's a tired idea, but it does seem that Melissa Etheridge's brush with mortality has deepened her both as a person and a performer. These songs plunge past the bombast and angst that have sometimes obscured her talent and let us see a more private, contemplative -- and melodic -- artist. The restraint serves her nicely: Where we might have previously cowered under a rock onslaught, she backs off a little, forcing us to lean in and really listen. Short, mantra-like songs pepper the album, offering messages about the importance of love. It's earnest, but she's earned it.

On her first album since being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, Melissa Etheridge finds
both a depth and an ease that eluded her on previous releases. She's never had a problem
with passion -- which is still present in boatloads here -- but now she has discovered
restraint, fun and the joys of pop. "Message to Myself," the album's first single, borrows
sunny harmonies and a catchy chorus from the Beatles, while a Stones-ish count... More >