When k.d. lang broke into the music scene more than 20 years ago, the Canadian crooner brought a new sound to country music, blending traditional flavor and a knockout voice with her own flair for songwriting and performance. She immediately garnered critical acclaim and won legions of fans.

Collecting songs from the first decade of her career, "Reintarnation" is an excellent opportunity for newer fans to catch up on lang’s roots, while offering long-time fans a chance to look back. The collection blends foot-stomping tunes fit for a hoedown with ballads of longing and lang’s trademark vocals.

In 1983, lang pressed only 500 copies of her first single, "Friday Dance Promenade," and sold them at concerts and live gigs. This song, a tribute to her hero Patsy Cline, is included on "Reintarnation," bringing it to a broad audience for the first time.

Long compared to the legendary Cline, lang is definitely a worthy successor with clear-as-glass vocals and emotion that drips from every note.

Two songs were taken from lang’s first album, 1984’s "A Truly Western Experience." "Hanky Panky" was made for the dance floor — square dance, that is. The track is a rollicking good time as lang kicks up her heels and sets toes tapping.

Three songs from "Angel with a Lariat," lang’s major-label debut in 1987, made the cut for "Reintarnation," including the title track. It is an up-tempo love song ideal for swinging your baby around the dance floor. "Turn Me ‘Round" is a rockabilly number about a rocking square dance.

"Diet of Strange Places" is quintessential lang, with equal parts country twang and powerful vocals. On this track, lang gives listeners a taste of what "Constant Craving" would prove once and for all years later: This woman is a vocal powerhouse to beat nearly all competition.

Only one song was taken from 1988’s "Shadowland," which was filled with country standards. "Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes" is a gorgeous update of a country classic. Since the album was incredibly well-received by critics and fans (certified as Gold), it is somewhat surprising that only one song was included on "Reintarnation."

A whopping seven songs were taken from "Absolute Torch and Twang," originally released in 1989. lang would go on to win a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocalist for this album. "Big Boned Gal," "Pulling Back the Reins," "Big Big Love," and "Trail of Broken Hearts" are included.

Three songs are taken from the soundtrack to "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues," the 1993 motion picture directed by gay Hollywood bigwig Gus Van Sant. lang and longtime collaborator Ben Mink wrote the songs for the soundtrack. "Curious Soul Astray" is one of the most haunting tracks on this collection. The vocals are chilling, and her longing is almost palpable.

Unlike many recent retrospectives, "Reintarnation" only contains one unreleased song. "Change My Mind" was dropped from a project 20 years ago, but lang and Mink completed it for this collection.

The album reminds us how strong lang always was — as a vocalist, songwriter, performer and just plain maverick. She paved the way for lesbian entertainers to be themselves, no matter the consequences.

"Reintarnation" celebrates the singer’s sense of self, her creative clarity, and the roots of her successful career.