VOA常速英语:Jewel Stays With Nashville Sound on New Album

In 2008, Jewel abandoned her career in pop music to record her first Country album.  The Alaska native is hoping to match its success with her new Nashville project, "Sweet and Wild."

"Stay Here Forever" was the debut single from Jewel's second Country album.  The track was also included on the soundtrack to the recent film, "Valentine's Day."

Jewel's first Country album, "Perfectly Clear," reached Number One on Billboard's Country chart.  Despite the Number 3 debut of "Sweet and Wild," the collection has received mixed reviews from music critics.  Most favor the deluxe edition, which includes the bonus disc, "Sweet and Mild."  That CD contains stripped-down acoustic versions of the 11 tracks.

Two years ago, Jewel married nine-time world champion rodeo star Ty Murray.  The couple lives on Ty's ranch in Texas, where Jewel has learned to prioritize what's important in her life. 

She says, "The theme of this album is finding what's true about you and your life, and defending it and valuing it above all else.  My newest country album will share so many of my personal feelings of love and happiness that I have written into the songs."

She says her latest single, the ballad "Satisfied," is her favorite on the album.