Kasey Chambers

The twin strands of country and rock intertwine with serpentine ease around the phenomenal pop package that is Kasey Chambers, whose rugged rural spirit, musical heritage, and international crossover appeal make her the queen of her domain. Cue up "Not Pretty Enough," and, if you're not already in her thrall, you soon will be.

Kasey could have stuck to the country roots on which she made her name but decided to ring the changes on 2006's Carnival. "I Got You Now" hits harder than a tungsten-tipped sledgehammer, set against the sweet-ringing reverb of Chambers' distinctively flawless vocal, and "You Make Me Sing" sashays into the fray all sexed-up and funky.

That fact that Rolling Stone magazine dubbed Chambers "the freshest young voice in American roots music" probably has a lot to do with early cuts like "Southern Kind of Life," which could dupe the uninitiated into believing she was raised in the USA — her recollection of the Nullarbor Plain nods towards the country legends she heard as a kid.

Although the track "Wayward Angel" was written about her son, Talon, the phrase also applies to mum, whose voice holds the weight of experience, as well as the purity of innocence: Oh yeah, Chambers is one hell of a singer, and then some. She was the first Aussie country artist to chart at #1 simultaneously with a single and album ("Not Pretty Enough" and Barricades & Brickwalls), an incredible feat that has its roots in a strong family-based schooling with the Dead Ringer Band (featuring mum, dad, and bro). These Essentials give you the woman's guts, substance, and sheer, breathtaking brilliance.