The woman who owns the most majestic voice in Music City is marking a new milestone with an album that will be regarded as a masterwork of her career. Trisha Yearwood’s Jasper County is a collection that comes from a period of re-evaluation, introspection, reinvigoration and self-reflection. The multi-Platinum, multi Grammy-winning star has never before given as much consideration and concern to a recording project. "I’ve never taken this long to make a record," comments Yearwood. "I’ve never recorded as many songs. I’d never completely started over on an album like I did on this one. Overall, it was a two-year process to make this record." The bluesy, smoldering drama of "Who Invented The Wheel" contrasts with the chugging, zesty pep of "Baby Don’t You Let Go." "River of You" is lovelorn and hypnotic, while "Pistol" is a hillbilly rocker with sass. "Sweet Love" is steamy, sexy and sweaty, yet "Standing Out in a Crowd" is airy, uplifting and inspiring. The throbbing, pulse-quickening "Try Me" features electrifying harmony by Ronnie Dunn. The gorgeous, dark and magnificent ballad "Trying to Love You" includes vocals by its co-composer, Beth Nielsen Chapman. Yearwood tears into "Gimme the Good Stuff" with the ferocious fire of a rocker, then turns rollicking, innocent and fun-loving in "It’s Alright." The powerful emotional undertow of "Georgia Rain" has already made it the break-out single from Jasper County. Its understated male vocal harmony is by Garth Brooks. These are performances of startling freshness and passion. So it comes as something of a shock to realize that this is an artist who has issued 10 previous records and scored 20 top-10 hits. Trisha Yearwood’s larger-than-life voice has helped to define contemporary country music.

Now she is ready to roll up her sleeves and work on her own music again. Following the release of Jasper County, the singer will reemerge as a touring artist later this year. "It’s just like coming home," says Trisha Yearwood. "Everything is in the best perspective of my life, both professionally and personally. I feel wiser. I am just very, very happy. I consciously took a break, but I am not finished. I miss performing, and I do love the applause." "Singing gives me such joy. And it seems to give other people joy. It’s what I believe I am supposed to do."