In Brief

*** Rhonda Vincent, “Back Home Again,” Rounder. This Missouri-born singer and mandolinist was only marginally successful singing contemporary country music during the ‘80s and ‘90s, and with this album she returns to her bluegrass roots. As the title suggests, she’s very much at home singing these predominantly traditional bluegrass numbers. Her unadorned voice doesn’t dazzle, but usually conveys universal emotions with welcome simplicity. “Little Angels” steps away from the familiar subjects of love and family with a hauntingly powerful plea for an end to child abuse.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless noted.