Fearless Love (Bonus Track Version)

Melissa Etheridge has always believed that rock ‘n’ roll is best when delivered with the most amount of passion and drama possible. It’s made even her quietest moves sound like a rumble in the jungle. Her love for Bruce Springsteen’s most spine-chilling moments has led her to sing at the top of her powers and even when she settles down for “Indiana,” it’s with the belief that she’s bringing all the lost and forgotten souls along for the ride. Her liberal stance as an out-of-the- closet gay woman is aimed at Carrie Prejean on “Miss California” and her embracing of President Barack Obama is at the heart of “We Are the Ones.” Her critics say she is strident and bombastic, but that is exactly what her fans love about her. She stands up for what she believes in and talks tough no matter the pain behind the scenes. Her strength is how she turns up the volume for the shuffling “Nervous” and the atmospheric “Only Love.” The bonus cuts, the acoustic-based “The Heart of a Woman” and “Away” are actually softer turns at the mic than the official album.