Nobody Love, Nobody Gets Hurt (Capitol, 1998)

She knows a special song when she hears it, she's got a passel of friends eager to join her on record, and she's one of the classiest women in country music, or any other genre for that matter. It's no surprise then, that the 11 tunes gracing Suzy Bogguss' latest are laced with passion, humor and impeccable taste.

Consider this - halfway through the record there's the powerhouse triple play of "Moonlight And Roses," "Take Me Back," and "From Where I Stand," a knockout group of tunes written by Cheryl Wheeler, Julie Miller and Kim Richey respectively. Labelmate Garth Brooks contributes backing vocals, while Trisha Yearwood, Kathy Mattea, Alison Krauss, and Patty Loveless also lend immeasurable talent and support. The title tune, by the way, is a Bobbie Cryner tune, and an absolute dazzler!

Bogguss' graciousiness in letting others share the spotlight typifies the spirit the album conveys, but it's her own considerable gift for interpretation that draws the listener in subtly, as she weaves bits of magic within each and every track.