The record industry’s dream alt-country newcomer writes like Emmylou Harris, sings with Patty Griffin’s grace, communicates hurt in Lucinda Williams’s sullen earth tones and, not incidentally, could make the semis on America’s Next Top Model. Having proved all this on her lovely 2002 debut, Bramble Rose, Tift Merritt strives to differentiate herself — by writing sturdy (and bland) anthems built on overused U2 chords and several barnstorming R&B vamps notable for throwback horn riffs and Aretha Franklin–style backing vocals. While the North Carolina native brings a winsome frailty to her ballads (particularly “Plainest Thing,” easily the loveliest song here), she more often musters Mack truck–size lung power: On the stilted, slightly funky “Your Love Made a U-Turn,” Merritt sings like she can recapture her man’s straying heart just by blowing enough wind through the microphone.

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