Gordon Lightfoot Book, Music and More!

Ryder’s one of Canada’s brightest new talents, a gifted songwriter and powerhouse vocalist. Some might think it strange that she’d make her major label debut singing so many songs by other artists. But Ryder, 23, is no fool: by including her stunning interpretations of Canadian classics like Leonard Cohen’s “Sisters of Mercy” and Sylvia Tyson’s “You Were On My Mind” alongside her own formidable “Weak in the Knees” and “Just Another Day,” it merely proves she belongs in such esteemed company.

As Cat Stevens, he made a fortune with his gentle odes to love and spirituality. Since his conversion to Islam, Yusuf has donated his royalties to charities and Islamic schools he set up in North London. Now, with his first album of pop music in 28 years, the former Cat is back preaching his brand of enlightenment. It’s a mixed blessing: despite singer Youssou N’Dour’s inspired presence on “The Beloved” and the vigorous rock workout “I Think I See the Light,” the album suffers from excessive mellowness and sermonizing.

Osborne will be forever associated with her 1995 hit “One of Us,” recently revived as the theme song for the TV show Joan of Arcadia. She’s recorded only sporadically since, and mostly covers at that, so Osborne’s latest is a significant achievement. Although she interprets songs by The Grateful Dead, Kris Kristofferson and others, it’s her own songs, especially the country-tinged “Who Divided” and the soulful title track, that stand out. And Osborne’s lusty contralto, always one of her strengths, still commands attention.