Once you are labeled as that "Bitch Chick," where do you go from there? It's a question "Meredith Brooks" has a very definitive answer for, and that answer is "Deconstruction," her follow up to "Blurring The Edges." I have to say that the last time a CD reached out and identified with the independent feminist in me was way back when "Jagged Little Pill" hit the stores. I am not saying this is an album for women, about women, written and performed by a woman - far from it. It is a self affirming collection of music for every mood. "Meredith Brooks" layers her exceptional guitar skills with other sounds to fully flesh out a unique collection of tracks. It's a CD all about the guitar, which is evident from the first song to the last. Spiritually, it's a right of passage for Ms. Brooks, and musically it's a testimony to her dedication and creative talents. Each song on the CD could stand alone as a single, and I expect that "Deconstruction" will spawn more than just one global hit. Expect the first to be "Lay Down" a very original sounding cover, complete with guest vocals from Queen Latifah herself. It has a R&B/Hip Hop flavor that improves the song and brings it out of the free love era into the new millennium.

Two other shining examples of Meredith's talents are "Shout," which takes a look at American culture while gently poking fun and has a great beat that will keep you dancing till dawn, and "Nobody's Home." This song is a hauntingly touching look at a lost soul which typifies the no holds barred truth of Ms. Brooks insights into modern society and it's pains.

"Meredith Brooks" doesn't set out to change society, nor does she set out to prove any point other than she is more than the woman who sang "Bitch." I must say that "Deconstruction" is an excellent starting point. Meredith proves she can have her cake and eat it too.