Slightly over 25 years ago, a young Phoebe Snow debuted with an album and voice that is as unique and powerful today as it was when she sang "Poetry Man." Her last album was released eight years ago and it is a joy to once again know Snow is on the air.

No better opening track could herald Phoebe's return than "Brand New Me," a terrific cover of the Jerry Butler tune, as that sultry alto smokes through the speakers, evidence of a fire that still burns bright. She can still impart feeling to a song like few others, as her duet with Michael McDonald is laden with emotion "Right To the End."

Van Morrison's "Madame George" may be the only cut I find a little out of place, but it's followed by the incredible "Piece Of My Heart." I truly felt nobody could touch Janis Joplin's version of this song, nobody could bring the pain and anguish with which Janis infused her version. I was wrong. Phoebe can, and nearly makes me forget Janis.

Phoebe swings the place with "Baby Work Out," one of those wonderfully sneaky double entendre songs that were so naughty before anything and everything could be said in a song. It's a reminder that there was once a wit and sauciness that is lost in most current music. Certainly they don't make them like "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" any more! If this doesn't get your heart pumping you better call for CPR.

In a soft moment, Phoebe has "A Case of You," and she shows she can tone it down without losing a bit of feeling. The mandolin of Steve Burgh lends a folksy feel to "Big Leg Blues," which also has a wonderful instrumental close. Michael McDonald joins Phoebe again on Dylan's "It Takes A Lot To laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry." I'm not sure about the words to this song but when these two sing it doesn't make much difference.

"Share Your Love With Me" is a great candlelight song, while Phoebe shows she could have challenged Mahalia Jackson as she sings "Lord I Just Can't Keep From Crying." With its gospel feel, she allows her voice to become another instrument of the Lord.

The final cut, "Never Never Land," opens with the only dischordant sounds from Phoebe, as her voice lays a bit flat here, and leaves a little aftertaste that can be avoided by simply deleting this track and letting "Can't Keep from Crying" as your last impression. But then "I Can't Complain." I've been well entertained for the past hour as I wrote this review.