by Rick CohoonSassy Sherrié Austin, the Australian-born songbird and writer who first coaxed country radio to turn up her upbeat "Lucky in Love" followed by the smash "Never Been Kissed," has released her best effort yet. The 11-cut CD (plus one hidden track, "Heart on Ice") is entitled Streets of Heaven and showcases Austin as the tremendous vocalist and songwriter she really is. The material on Streets of Heaven shows tantalizing diversity. The singer takes on the sobering topic of life-threatening childhood illness in the title cut, inspired by events in her youth. At the same time, the playful Austin listeners have come to enjoy doesn't disappoint. "Like a Cat" fits the singer's image perfectly. The choice cut of the CD is "Driving into the Sun," with its universal theme about young love and its addictive melody. Stylistically, Austin takes the country thematic and couches it in a pop sound, which is exactly what audiences want to hear these days. Her continued work with co-writer Will Rambeaux demonstrates a unique understanding of the songwriting and storytelling process. Sherrié Austin says she was a bit lost and confused prior to recording this album, forced to reconsider her direction and purpose as an artist. All that confusion and introspection are surely the driving forces behind Streets of Heaven. The album is sultry, sexy, and vibrant.