Cindy Bullens

Since her 1979 debut, Cindy Bullens has earned the respect of critics and such peers as Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams -- both of whom play on her latest release. Bullens came on like she had Springsteen as a songwriter and the Rolling Stones as a backing band in the days when female rock still meant waifs strumming acoustic guitars in neighborhood wine bars. Such "tougher" artists like Joan Jett and Liz Phair have since come on the scene, but her brand of brash, intelligent rock is still as vital as ever. Time and perspective have only strengthened her songwriting ability. Bullens' latest album, Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth deals with the loss of her daughter, Jessie, from cancer. Surprisingly, the album is more a rocking celebration of life than a cry of despair.