Wanda Jackson, Heart Trouble (CMH Records)

With Heart Trouble, her first U.S. studio release in 15 years, Wanda Jackson returns to the musical landscape with an explosion. Joined by Elvis Costello, Dave Alvin, Lee Rocker, the Cramps and others, Jackson has released a stellar set of energetic, raw, sexy, rambunctious, rowdy, fun and exuberant songs. Almost 50 years following her debut duet (with Billy Gray) “You Can’t Have My Love” on Decca Records, Jackson’s voice is still strong, clear and superb.

Heart Trouble is an excellent mix of new songs crafted to sound like the country and rockabilly standards that they join on this CD. Clearly Heart Trouble has been constructed in the likeness of Johnny Cash’s American Recordings albums. It is a blatant attempt to introduce Jackson to a younger audience. By releasing one of the best rock ‘n’ roll albums of 2003, Jackson and her handlers are well on their way! Just one question: why hasn’t Jackson been elected into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame? Her exclusion is a crime!