There has been a certain amount of trepidation surrounding the release of Jukebox. Cat Power, who also goes by the name of Chan Marshall, has built a reputation on delivering music that is as individual and personal as it gets.

Mid-career covers albums are usually released by people who have run out of anything to say for themselves. They let other people's words and music say it for them whilst they fulfil record company contracts and bide their time. It's worth mentioning that Jukebox is not Marshall's first covers album, that distinction goes to her 2000 release, aptly titled The Covers Album. So what happens when an original voice once again takes on music that has already been around the block?

Marshall's mental health has, unsurprisingly, had a strong bearing on Cat Power's musical output in the past. Her public breakdowns are the stuff of music legend and possibly, it might be said, part of the reason for her success, there are times when she has embodied the stereotype of the tortured genius. Now, however, there are rumours that she is in a stronger place emotionally, and more able to produce music that has a broader appeal. This has had the effect of dividing fans who believe that the more commercial direction of her previous album, The Greatest, was evidence of a sell-out. But commercial is a relative term, we're not talking Kylie or Britney here, most of the covers are not the most well-known songs, in fact, being able to name more than a few of them would put you in good running for first prize at your local pub's pop quiz.

The rocked-out cover of Bob Dylan's ‘I Believe In You’ is balanced by Marshall's own hymn to the man, ‘Song for Bobby’. Her take on Hank Williams' ‘Ramblin (Wo)man’ wastes no time. Oddly, the covers of songs popularised by women don't work so well, they seem too obvious.

Jukebox sounds like the glory days of Rolling Stone (the magazine and the band), or Memphis in the early 70s mixed with the epic presence of Patti Smith and the fragility of Big Star. Backing musicians are part of the authenticity of her retro sound. They include Jim White, the Blues Explosion’s Judah Bauer and soul players such as Spooner Oldham and Teenie Hodges, and Marshall shows that she is far from out of her depth with this bunch, she can play with the boys and hold her own.

This album is not Cat Powers best, but it's certainly not her worst and is still leagues ahead of the competition, if she had any. If The Greatest was a turning point, Jukebox shows that Marshall is in a new league, and begs the question: what's going to come next from this most exciting of singers?

Fans note: there are several versions of Jukebox on release, and some have different track listings and bonus songs.

Jukebox, by Cat Power
Studio: Matador
Released by: 21 January 2008
ASIN: B000YDJDHY

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