Dec 12, 2003  |  By: WINNIE McCROY  | COMMENTS     

SOME SONGS ARE unforgettable. And in 2003, which might very well be remembered as the Year of the Tribute Album, listeners had more than one chance to appreciate various groundbreaking divas in the rock, pop and country music genres.

Here are a few noteworthy tributes and compilations this holiday season.

Remembering Patsy Cline
MCA Nashville made a nice gesture with “Remembering Patsy Cline,” an all-star tribute album released to coincide with what would have been the musical icon’s 71st birthday (on Sept. 8) and the 30th anniversary of her induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

That makes it even sadder, then, that the transcendent works of this country crossover legend are generally watered down in this tribute.

The diverse lineup includes established artists such as Amy Grant, singing “Back in Baby’s Arms,” k.d. lang (“Leavin’ on Your Mind”), Natalie Cole (“I Fall to Pieces”), Lee Ann Womack (“She’s Got You”), as well as newcomers Norah Jones (“Why Can’t He Be You”), Michelle Branch (“Strange”) and Diana Krall (“Crazy”).

These are all highly talented musicians, though practically none of their renditions are particularly memorable. Nearly all lack that special brand of heartache that endears Patsy Cline to listeners who can still feel her pain on more than one original song.

Despite the CD’s shortcomings, it is still interesting to hear Natalie Cole’s jazzy version of “I Fall to Pieces,” the first track on the CD, and Martina McBride’s a capella version of “Sweet Dreams.”

There also are other exceptions. Terri Clark shines on a traditional cover of “Walking After Midnight,” as does Diana Krall on “Crazy,” and lang’s cover of “Leavin’ On Your Mind.” Rebecca Lynn Howard’s rendition of “You’re Stronger Than Me” also is a noteworthy highlight on this album.
Other contributors include Patsy Griffin, who sings “Faded Love,” and Jessi Alexander, who offers “So Wrong.”

Just Because I’m a Woman: Songs of Dolly Parton
Say “Dolly Parton Tribute Album,” and a flock of female performers come running. With her incredible voice and fabulously positive outlook on life, Parton has influenced just about every country and rock singer alive. And they all turned up for this tribute album — from Shania Twain and k.d. lang to Me’Shell Ndegeocello and Sinead O’Connor.

The CD highlights only a few of Dolly’s most famous hits, such as “I Will Always Love You” and “9 to 5.” But despite the wealth of B-side beauties, this understated collection sizzles.

Alison Kraus offers a mellow version of “9 to 5” that only slightly suffers because of its lack of urgency. Lesbian icon Melissa Etheridge, whose eighth studio album, “Lucky,” is slated for release in early February, sings a beautiful, throaty rendition of the (still abominable) “I Will Always Love You.”

Shelby Lynne’s cover of “The Seeker” also does not disappoint. Shania Twain’s take on “Coat of Many Colors” seems as highfalutin’ as a mink stole, while Sinead O’Connor delivers a twangy, appealing rendition of “Dagger Through the Heart.”

Like Kraus, Allison Moore is mellow on “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” while Me’ Shell Ndegeocello shines on “Two Doors Down.”

There are a few low points on this CD from Sugar Hill Records, however. Norah Jones’ “Grass is Blue” comes off jumbled, and Joan Osbourne’s cover of “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” is just plain forgettable. And Mindy Smith, in her cover of “Jolene,” couldn’t even convince me not to take her man.

Nevertheless, Parton also makes a contribution with a bonus track of “Just Because I’m A Woman,” a nice end to a worthwhile tribute album.

Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook
Like Bette Midler, this album is short and sassy.

Perhaps the best of the bunch, the Divine Miss M joins Barry Manilow, everyone’s favorite gay icon and her original piano player and musical director, to pay tribute to one of the first divas of cabaret in “Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook.” Clooney died in June 2002.

Columbia Records’ quality compilation starts slow and steady, with Clooney’s “You’ll Never Know,” and “This Ole House.” The set picks up when Midler croons “On a Slow Boat to China” with her trademark harmonies. And it positively sizzles mid-album, when she belts out very urban renditions of “Come On-A My House,” and “Mambo Italiano.”

In addition to her duet with Manilow on “On a Slow Boat to China,” Midler teams up with Linda Ronstadt on “Sisters.”

The album ends on ...