Music Review: Jewel's First Country Album

Jewel, "Perfectly Clear" (Valory/Big Machine)

"Perfectly Clear," singer-songwriter Jewel Kilcher's move into country music won't seem as surprising as that of, say, Bon Jovi. After all, she grew up in rural Alaska, she's an avid horsewoman with a long-running relationship with a rodeo star and early hits "Who Will Save Your Soul?" and "You Were Meant for Me" have more in common with recent country hits than with current pop music.

Jewel takes the reassignment seriously. She co-produced the album with John Rich of Big & Rich, wrote or co-wrote all but one of the 11 tracks, and will tour this summer with country star Brad Paisley. Country fans have already welcomed her, too: Her first single, "Stronger Woman," shot into the top 15 of the country radio charts.

The strength of "Perfectly Clear," as with many contemporary country singers, comes from Jewel singing her own words. The best songs _ "I Do," "Everything Reminds Me of You," "Til It Feels Like Cheating" _ have a distinct and believable point of view, and the arrangements merge modern Nashville gloss with an acoustic base that works with Jewel's idiosyncratic, breathy voice. Also, her typical lyrical slant _ taking a positive yet earthy look at everyday life _ fits country music as snugly as two Lego blocks locking together.

Nothing on "Perfectly Clear" will separate Jewel from the pack as markedly as her first pop singles a dozen years ago. But her new album suggests her shift to country music could benefit both singer and genre.

CHECK THIS OUT: On "Anything But You," Jewel sings a barroom weeper over a crying steel guitar that updates classic country music more effectively than most current country singers could. It should erase any doubt whether she belongs in Nashville.