The Lion the Beast the Beat (Deluxe Edition)

Vermont-based singer/songwriter Grace Potter developed a following on the jam-band circuit. However, with each new album she's found a variety of methods to spotlight her powerful vocal abilities. Producer Jim Scott (Wilco, Tedeschi Trucks Band) creates an interesting mix of settings, and Potter takes full advantage of them, reveling in the chance to be a hard rock singer, a pop singer, a country artist, and many variations in between. Unlike many artists who find one sound and stick with it for fear of being called inconsistent, Potter proudly tries on styles with abundant enthusiasm. Her talents are worth it. The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach cowrote the album's first single, "Never Go Back," with the band and cowrote and produced "Loneliest Soul," so it sounds like The Nocturnals playing around at being The Black Keys. "Stars" showcases Potter pulling off a power ballad. "Parachute Heart" evokes a pop feel worthy of Neko Case. "The Divide" percolates until the guitars and strings send the track over the top. The album's deluxe edition includes four bonus cuts, including duets with Kenny Chesney and Willie Nelson.