This North Carolinian singer/songwriter's highly visual, slightly quirky lyric style and understated vocals make her difficult to pigeonhole, but no matter — her latest release is packed full of emotionally resonant tunes that come alive thanks to spirited ensemble playing and Hughes’ own wistful yet resolute personality. Such songs as the poignant “Butterfly” and the brooding “Autumn Leaves” display the homespun finesse of early Dolly Parton. “Mid-Life Crisis” has the rueful edge of a honkytonk lament, while “Blackbeard” is a latter-day dramatic ballad. Hughes is adept at dissecting damaged relationships, as the biting “Dr. Jeckyl, Mr. Hyde” and the sensitive “Better Apart” show. Producer J.D. Crowe captures vigorous performances by such notables as fiddler Aubrey Haynie, mandolinist Adam Steffy and Blue Highway dobro player Ron Ickes, with Sonya Isaacs, Carl Jackson and Cia Cherryholmes adding background vocals. Any fan of fine songs and sparkling musicianship — bluegrass or otherwise — will enjoy this album.