

Allison Moorer’s first album in five years took two years to complete. The singer commuted from New York to Nashville to play with the necessary musicians and work with her favored producer, Kenny Greenberg, who had helmed two earlier Moorer albums. The circumstances were largely difficult, with her marriage to Steve Earle ending in divorce as she began raising a young child later diagnosed with autism. Here, she channels her energy into songs such as “Like It Used to Be,” “Tear Me Apart,” and “If I Were Stronger.” She sings with complete conviction, whether the songs are rockers or intense ballads. Even the John Fogerty cover takes on added gravitas.