King's Record Shop (1987)

Rejecting the sentimental melodrama of eighties country-pop, Rosanne Cash brought a cool, literate poise and crisp modern perspective to roots music. Her vocal delivery is understated, elegant and rhythmically precise, avoiding unnecessary vocal acrobatics in favour of quiet psychological acuity. Produced by Rodney Crowell, this album scored four consecutive number one singles, including a stunning reimagining of her father's Tennessee Flat Top Box and John Hiatt's The Way We Make a Broken Heart. Cash's singing anchors the crisp rock guitars with mature, thoughtful intelligence.