Pam Tillis - Every Time (1998)

Pam Tillis is in possession of a fine country voice, and on this particular project she displays her talent proudly, twang and all. While there is the usual overproduction that characterizes Nashville in the '90s, and some material that seems more in line with the pop world, Tillis has the strength to break through and shine. Especially good is the Leslie Satcher tune "Whiskey on the Wound," which seems to demonstrate just how deep Tillis' traditional roots run in spite of all the nonsense. Jamie O'Hara's composition, "Lay the Heartache Down," also allows Tillis to spread her wings and fly, but the most breathtaking cut is the Thompson/Cunningham co-write "A Whisper and a Scream"; the performance here is unsurpassed, heartbreaking, soul-shaking, and chilling. For this track alone, Every Time is bound to be counted as one of Tillis' most distinctive projects.