I think it was Kevin, but someone mentioned not too long ago that “Hey Cinderella” sounds like the adult version of all those fairytale-type Taylor Swift songs. You know, the reality once the young love has worn off after 20 or so years of being with the same person. Listening to the song through this perspective has given me a new appreciation for the track. Plus, you can’t go wrong with anything born from Matraca Berg’s pen. I kind of want to hear Taylor sing this song. It’s the direction I hope to see her music evolve in as she gets older. To me, it seems like a natural progression of where she is right now.

And speaking of Matraca Berg, I noticed that Suzy has a co-writing credit on “Racing The Angels” from her new album The Dreaming Fields. It’s nice to see that relationship still going strong after all these years.

I have to agree with Bob’s #1 pick – “Aces.” It’s without a doubt my favorite of her singles. I can’t get enough of that song, it’s perfection. The song is so well-written and she makes you feel her pain as the romance dissolves. I love the hook – “You can’t deal me the aces/and think I wouldn’t play/don’t let this be the reason you would walk away.” I miss the days when mainstream country music was this good.

Suzy is one artist I’ve kept up with in the years since she fell out of favor with county radio, and while I’ve had trouble getting into Swing, I love both Sweet Danger and American Folk Songbook. “In Heaven” is right up there for me with “Aces” as one of her best recordings. I was saddened to see it rank so low on this list. I also really enjoy “The Bus Ride” from that CD as well. I like how it shows a different side to her.

As for her new album, AFS, I finally got around to listening to it this week and have fallen in love. How could I not? It has to be the most delightful album I’ve heard in quite a long time. Listening to it always calms me and puts me in a good headspace.

I wasn’t familiar with most of the songs she recorded, but it didn’t matter. She drew me right in. I really appreciate how simplistic she kept the production – not too loud and not too soft. And after her jazzy turn on her previous two releases, I was pleasantly surprised to hear how country it sounded. I wasn’t expecting all the dobro and mandolin. I was expecting more of a acoustic guitar filled sound. If every mainstream country album sounded like this, the genre would be in very good shape. Like everyone else, I can’t recommend the album enough.

My favorite track from the project is “Banks of The Ohio.” It’s such a beautiful song and the kind I’ve always enjoyed most from Suzy. But I was instantly drawn to “Froggy” because of the unique production and the fact it can’t help but put a smile on your face when you hear it.

The biggest takeaway for me from the project, though, was her voice. There were many songs where if I didn’t know it was her singing, I probably wouldn’t have guessed it was her. She seems to stretch herself so much vocally on this album do things with her voice I didn’t think possible. I guess I didn’t realize how much twang she has when she wants to sing in that style.

Bob, thanks for spotlighting one of my favorite female singers of all-time. Suzy is one of a kind and I hope folks who aren’t familiar with her music will check her out after reading this feature. They’ve been missing out all these years.

@Eric North: I just played the Judy Collins version of Someday Soon yesterday for the first time in many years. I have her 1972 LP Colors of the Day, Best of Judy Collins. I can see the resemblance you mention. My favorite song on the Collins album however is “Sons Of” by Jacques Brel. It’s very relevant today.

Re Simpatico, the year that album was released I saw Suzy, Chet & Mark O’Connor at Carnegie Hall, my only time there. Great show, great album.