Dave Alvin, who produced The Lucky One for former Picketts vocalist Christy McWilson, has tagged the singer a "roots-rock Sylvia Plath." Nowhere on her debut solo album is that more on target than "'Til I Die", ironically the one cut among the 11 here not written by McWilson herself. It was penned by Brian Wilson, and the former Beach Boy's despair at drifting through a life not of his own making is captured perfectly in McWilson's lost, pleading version.

That sense of helplessness permeates other songs on The Lucky One as well, such as the title track, which laments, "Happiness ain't nothin' but misery to me," while on "Someday" McWilson sings, "I'm thinking that there's not a whole lot further left to fall."

But if McWilson's lyrics reveal a certain vulnerability, her voice shows plenty of emotional range. It's forthright in expressing desperation on "Wishin'" but full of grit and moxie as she wails through "Weight of the World" and the high-stepping "Crying Out Loud." Equally strong is the backing she receives from the likes of R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and Mike Mills, Syd Straw, Chris Gaffney, and the Old 97s' Rhett Miller. "Eloda" is marked by some wicked fuzztone guitar and screaming psychedelic leads. The ringing 12-strings on "Someday" create a jaunty Byrds vibe, while the Farfisa-like organ and flamenco guitar flourishes on "Today is Yesterday's Tomorrow" capture a Sir Douglas Tex-Mex groove. Despite the strong playing and intimidating guest list, McWilson stays firmly out front on her own album. Overall, this is a brilliant, star-making turn.