Named after a special road in her hometown of Leavenworth, Kan. (and also in Kansas City)—and the former street of her record label—4th Street Feeling features everything that's made Etheridge a major musical star since the late '80s. The production by Jacquire King (and Steve Booker on "Be Real" and the title track) is lean and mean, putting Etheridge's soulful vocals up front and bringing her road band in for some studio chemistry. The entire sound is tight and funky, as if the group were playing live in a room. The title tune brings forth the sound of '70s soul, with a Fender Rhodes matching the dry and punchy drum track and leaving plenty of room for Etheridge to emote, which she does with refreshing restraint. Throughout, the songwriting is smart and reflective, and Etheridge sounds musically invested. (She played all the guitars.) "Shout Now" smokes a vintage blues. "Be Real" evokes the spirit of '50s rockabilly with its slapback guitar. "A Sacred Heart" climbs toward '70s hard rock. The deluxe edition features the essential "The Beating of Your Heart" and two additional tracks.