Best female vocals on CD

I can't understand how everyone has managed to overlook Brittany Spears! Also, have you never heard of Cher? And speaking of extremely talented, single-name singers, who could forget Melanie? ("I Got a Pair of Brand New Rollerskates," "Beautiful People.")Edie Brickell? Shanna Twain? Joan Jett? Pat Benetar? Also, I'm not sure if she's female or not, but I think Barney's sidekick, Baby Bop, is awesome!

Check out Janis Ian's Breaking Silence

What a coincidence, Dalelogix! After pleasantly sitting through an hour or so of Krall's latest, I happened upon Fi magazine's sampler, and played Janis Ian's "Breaking Silence"---couldn't believe it was her! Wonderful lyric, magnificently sung. Now you've got me interested in finding the album...but where? Curiosity led me to dig out a Chesky vocal disc of a few years back (for the Liv Taylor cut), and I stumbled upon the tune by PEGGY LEE. Her complete mastery and flair really took me aback. I happened to have an older friend over who has 40+ years of jazz-listening experience, so when I told him I barely remembered the "White Owl Cigar" TV ad he laughed---and regaled me with stories of Ms. Lee's abilities with a song. So I found that Chesky Peggy Lee CD (on eBay), and am now marveling at what this chanteuse (who's voice is well past prime) can still do. Krall, Barber (isn't she great?), Pigeon, Upshaw, are all apprentices by comparison. Enjoy!

...and now for something from left field: JEAN DANTON is a Boston-based soprano who cut a disc on Albany called AMERICAN DREAMERS: about 25 songs from Foster through Ives, Kern, Gershwin, Bernstein (inc. a couple of premieres), recorded at Jordan Hall (more intimate acoustic than Symphony Hall) with Stumpf on their Steinway D. Her simple and honest stylings are a refreshing change from overproduced fair, and the recording is magnificent, with LOTS of ambience. Lemme know if you can't find a copy. Similar to Dawn Upshaw's artsong outings but with less coyness or preciousness!

My current favorite is Shirley Horn. No question. Try "I thought about you" on Verve cd. This is a master at work. Passionate singing combined with a piano style few can match. Pure talent. Sara Vaughan is my first choice among singers who are no longer with us for jazz. Mahalia Jackson is my choice for greatest of all time. Pure talent once again.