#4: Patty Griffin - 'Impossible Dream'

At this stage, Patty Griffin is easily one of the best songwriters in America. Her intimate tales sound perfect whether they’re being sung by longtime supporters The Dixie Chicks or the host of less popular artists who mine Griffin’s catalog. But nothing comes close to hearing her songs delivered in her own voice, which is as clear, uncompromising and relentlessly gorgeous as anything you’ll ever hear. I imagine many fans can barely decide which takes precedent, the voice or the songs. Patty Griffin’s unique gift is having both talents in great abundance, and Impossible Dream is the clearest realization yet of that marriage. Her years at A&M were spent in search of “a sound”, the most appropriate way to present her tales of bitter heartbreak. Now happily at home on Dave Matthews’ ATO Records, she has finally surrounded herself with friends and fellow musicians who just present the songs in the most natural light, and unsurprisingly the approach is simple, yet often elegant and complex. With no record execs sniffing around for a hit single, Patty Griffin now makes records that sound natural and easy. Impossible Dream may well mark the turning point of her career, when we look back in 20 years and realize that it was the first of many fine, flawless records.