For her fourth studio outing, Australian singer/songwriter Missy Higgins has chosen to pay tribute to the music of her homeland. Among the 15 tracks are cuts by Paul Kelly, the Drones, the Blackeyed Susans, the Go-Betweens, and Slim Dusty. But, much like Joan Osborne did with the soul classics of How Sweet It Is, Higgins all but disregards the original renderings and translates these tunes into her musical native tongue — pretty. It’s a lovely album if taken on face value and within the contemporary context of Higgins’ catalog. Indeed, not knowing the historical sources or past performances of these songs might well serve and simplify the listener’s enjoyment of them written out in Higgins’ smooth hand. For others, though, Higgins’ rounding of the once rough and ragged edges may cut a bit too deep. Either way, it’s hard to deny that it’s a bold and beautiful tribute made by a very talented artist.