Lee Ann Womack: The Way I’m Living (SugarHill Records)

THIS Grammy winner is one of the rare women performers to also clinch the prestigious Country Music Association’s Album Of The Year. – back in 2005 with her album There’s More Where That Came From. Lee Ann Womack’s latest release is definitely long-awaited because it’s almost seven years since she recorded a studio album.

Her unvarnished eclectic mix of songs comes from some of America’s songwriter artists with musicians used rather than backing tracks with vocal dubs following.

“I wanted songs that talked about how life really is,the raw spots,the tough places, the meltdowns and messy parts, hard, sad, rough... all the stuff people pretend doesn’t exist. Because once you embrace that, you can figure out what to do, or what not to do,” Womack says.

To my listening ear she accomplishes all that and more, as each track takes on a different feel, with many showing a bluesy, smokey atmospheric side to her vocal ability which perhaps she has hidden on past offerings.

Musically and vocally it is an album produced and performed to perfection.

It’s been worth a seven-year wait so maybe a couple of weeks longer won’t hurt as it is officially released in the UK on Monday, September 22.