Best female vocals on CD

The best ones are all from France:
Edit Piaf,
Julliette Greco,
Francois Hardy,
Mireille Mathieu,
Patricia Kaas,
Guesch Patti.

No one has mentioned Stacey Kent. Sings a song the way the writers wanted it sung and has a great band. I love Ella and throw in Natalie Merchant. All very unique voices, but very lisenable.

if you haven't heard Lorrie Morgan's Secret love and the Dianne Schuur's Swingin'for Schuur... you should add them to your collection... Patricia Barber, Mary Timmins, Lucinda Williams, and Diana Krall for sure... I have to agree with those who may not play Jennifer Warnes cd's quite as often as the others.

Lotte Lenya Sings Kurt Weill is a shockingly well-done reissue (Sony MHK 60647). She amused and melted me last night as I turned the Half-Century in the big chair.
Enjoy!

Janis Ian, susan Werner, Holly cole, Alison Krauss, Joni Mitchell, Ricki Lee Jones, K.D. Lang...