Sara Evans, "Stronger"

"Stronger," Sara Evans' first studio album in six years, is proof that some things are worth waiting for. Evans co-wrote six of the 10 tunes, including the chilling ballad "What That Drink Cost Me," a song about a woman who loses her husband to alcohol. Elsewhere, "Alone" is another compelling ballad about a challenging relationship. Evans also excels on livelier fare like the upbeat anthem "Anywhere" and the cleverly written "Ticket to Ride." And she delivers an achingly vulnerable cover of Rod Stewart's "My Heart Can't Tell You No," while wrapping up the set with a new bluegrass-flavored treatment of her 2000 hit "Born to Fly." The album's lead single, "A Little Bit Stronger," is in the top 20 of the country chart, proving that a remarkable singer with a great song can always write a new chapter.