Album of the Day

Born Kathryn Dawn Lang in Edmonton, Alberta, on this day in 1961, k.d. lang was inspired by Patsy Cline to take up singing, and like her idol is a master of torch and twang. Where previous retrospective REINTARNATION emphasized the latter, the performer's RECOLLECTION focuses on her strength as a balladeer. The 2010 greatest hits set includes such favorites as “Constant Craving,” “Miss Chatelaine” and revelatory covers of “Crying” and “Hallelujah” - along with rare tracks that showcase her mezzo-soprano voice to equally fine effect. A double-Platinum hit in her native Canada (that went Top 40 in the U.S.), RECOLLECTION is an ideal introduction to the Grammy winner. Happy birthday, k.d.!