Farmer's Daughter by Crystal Bowersox

So far, the two biggest success stories from American Idol are power-pop belter Kelly Clarkson and country superstar Carrie Underwood. Well, after listening to Crystal Bowersox's debut album, all I can say is move over ladies, the new kid is coming after you.

Besides Bowersox's voice, which can channel Janis Joplin on her blues-rock numbers or can be as sweet as a young Dolly Parton on a country-style love song like "Mine All Mine," she is a talented and fresh songwriter. She wrote or cowrote 10 of the 12 songs on the album.

The title track contains revealing lyrics about her abusive childhood but is surprisingly uplifted by her heartfelt singing and melody. "Holy Toledo" and "Speak Now" are two outstanding original numbers in the collection. And she offers a cover of Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" that will bring joy to Stephen Stills's ears.

Bowersox opens the album with a rocking original, "Ridin With the Radio": "Whatever happened to great ol' rock and roll? Whatever became of rhythm and blues and soul/ I'll do what it takes now, cause I just wanna make your mind feel good." And that she does, as I play this album again and again.

• Album: Farmer's Daughter (2010)
• Artist: Crystal Bowersox
• Label: Jive
• Songs: (1) Ridin' With the Radio (2) For What It's Worth (3) Farmer's Daughter (4) Holy Toledo (5) Lonely Won't Come Around (6) Hold On (7) On the Run (8) Kiss Ya (9) Speak Now (10) Mine All Mine (11) Mason (12) Arlene