New Day Dawning ~ Wynonna Judd ~ Country ~ CD ~ Used VG

Wynonna never fails to surprise. While anticipating a reunion tour with Mama Naomi Judd, the prodigal daughter ventures further than ever from mainstream country with her fifth solo album. Foremost among the curves she throws listeners is a version of "Help Me" that flatters Joni Mitchell's original with an uncanny imitation. Her album-ending rendition of "I Can't Wait to Meet You," borrowed from pop-soul supernova Macy Gray, sounds more like Rufus-era Chaka Khan. Then there's her revival of the Fabulous Thunderbirds' "Tuff Enough," which has more growl than bite, but features a spoken-word interlude that conjures Elvis in Vegas. Elsewhere, Wynonna seems most at home with a funky groove and a gospel lyric, like an acolyte of Aretha in the land of Patsy Cline. This limited-edition package includes a four-song EP recorded with Mama, adding blues-rock, Western swing, and even a pseudo-psychedelic novelty to the mix. --Don McLeese