New Day Dawning (Mercury, 2000)

A move to a new label has certainly not diminished any of Wynonna's vocal skills. Wy retains a full-bodied expressive voice throughout the 12 songs. While she can belt it out with the best of them, perhaps she is at her best on "Can't Nobody Love You Like I Do," where her restraint speaks volumes in a piano driven song.

Musically, there really isn't a whole lot of new ground here though. Wy combines country, funk and a harder edged sound. Sure, she is adept at each style. She shows her ability to handle her soulful, funky side on "Chain Reaction," which goes on too long. She takes a decided left turn on Joni Mitchell's "Help Me," which does not sound like Wynonna. And since she did not put her own imprimatur on it, even though she sings well, why bother? A cover of "Tough Enough" suits Judd a lot better.

So where does this leave Wy circa 2000? Probably about the same place as her most recent albums. Her vocal skills certainly have not been diminished. Ditto for her performing talents. But it isn't exactly country or a new day dawning.