Considering the spotty nature of many tributes,
Remembering Patsy Cline -- which duplicates her
12 Greatest Hits collection, although in a different running order -- is remarkably consistent. Subtle and classy like its subject, these dozen tracks -- all by female artists -- generally bring out the jazzier, torchier side of
Cline's material. So it's not surprising that jazz-pop singers such as
Natalie Cole ("I Fall to Pieces"),
Norah Jones ("Why Can't He Be You"), and
Diana Krall ("Crazy") successfully take their songs in that direction. Generally, these versions are respectful to the originals. But when they go too far astray such as on
Martina McBride's a cappella "Sweet Dreams" with
Take 6's schlocky, unnecessary background vocals or
Rebecca Lynn Howard's overly lavish production of "You're Stronger Than Me," the album doesn't fare as well. The low-key approach of
Patty Griffin ("Faded Love") and especially
Jones, who both find
Cline's nimble balance between country, pop, and blues, works best. The lush, piano-accompanied "Leavin' on Your Mind" from
k.d. lang is languid and lovely, if a bit stilted. But tougher bluesy versions of "She's Got You" from
Lee Ann Womack and
Terri Clark's "Walkin After Midnight" nail these songs, resulting in a few of this album's gutsiest performances. Youngster
Michelle Branch injects a slight country catch in her voice on a slick but tight version of "Strange." More upbeat interpretations of
Cline's songs would help pick up the pace on the album's final half, which tends to drag. Still, even with its faults, this is a worthy project that
Cline admirers, and certainly fans of the artists here, will find a worthwhile addition to their libraries. ~ Hal Horowitz