For the longest time, I just couldn't figure out where Sara Evans went wrong. I mean, her music was just as good as ever — "Coalmine" was a victim of unfortunate timing, "You'll Always Be My Baby" was heartfelt, "As If" was catchy and "Some Things Never Change" was one of those family songs that almost always turns into a hit. But it seemed like no matter what she put out, she just couldn't get a hit. Finally, things have turned back in her favor with the recent chart-topper "A Little Bit Stronger." With a comeback like that, she really needs to pick a good, solid song to stay on track. 

Choosing a Rod Stewart cover may be an odd choice for a country single, no matter how high or low in one's career an artist is. But this is the same woman who turned Edwin McCain's "I Could Not Ask for More" into a fine slice of country-pop. And really, the lyrics are about resisting the temptations of infidelity, aren't they? Slightly cluttered and underfocused though they may be, yes. In any event, Sara gives the song a pleasantly modern touch, her twangy alto and the front-and-center steel riffs contrasting, but never clashing, with the slick surroundings. Even when she throws in a few melismatic, Martina-esque power notes near the end, the song still doesn't feel overdone. 

After one of the more tumultuous careers in recent memory, it's high time that Sara Evans started turning out hits again. "My Heart Can't Tell You No" is a fine cover choice, and it succeeds on all counts: it's a worthwhile cover and it's got the ingredients for a major hit while still being "different" enough to stand out in the crowd. And as a big fan of individuality, not to mention a big fan of Sara Evans, I approve.

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