I originally bought THE WHEEL because I wanted to know if all the good ratings were true. The album is a life changing musical experience, CDs this good should be give medals, and the artists equal rewards. Rosanne Cash was always ahead of the rest of the music world in terms of intelligence and creativity. On THE WHEEL she took her talent to brand new levels. Each of these eleven songs contains a power so great, it can make your head spin. I listen to THE WHEEL everytime I'm upset or angry about something, it helps. Words can't describe how I feel about the album, but I'll try to portray these songs in a way to do justice to these masterpieces. Rosanne Cash's honesty is stunning. Few artists are as brave regarding their music or their lives. "The Wheel" is an incredible song, her honest and powerful lyrics are amazing. "Seventh Avenue", the symbol is the New York street, is equally impressive. "Change Partners" is a song about new hope and new beginnings. "Sleeping In Paris" is gorgeous, Cash's lyrical eloquence is constantly present. "You Won't Let Me In" a blast stronger than dynamite, about not being recognized. "From The Ashes" is a stirring moment about new beginnings. "The Truth About You" is poiginant. "Tears Falling Down" is brilliant. "Roses In The Fire" is the dramatic highlight of THE WHEEL. The lyrics are stunning. "Fire Of The Newly Alive" is marvelous. "If There's A God On My Side" is amazing. This is what great music is made of. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS CD-HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. I have large amounts of CDs, but this one is a top highlight. THE WHEEL is a part of my music collection, and after I heard it the first time, I don't want to part from it. After THE WHEEL I tried 10 SONG DEMO and INTERIORS, both albums are extraordinary. Nothing is comparable to THE WHEEL. If there was an album of the millenium, this would be it. Buy this one right now, you won't regret it.

After baring her broken heart on Interiors, Rosanne is back - This time brimming with self-confidence and a renewed zest for life (From The Ashes). On first listening, I jumped to the conclusion (never a wise move) that Rosanne had brightened her spirits by partnering with a new beau. The Wheel is about relationships, but not quite so worldly as boy-and-girl. The Wheel looks at the philosophical question, "Where does love go when a relationship ends?" `The Wheel,' `Seventh Avenue,' `Sleeping In Paris,' `The Truth About You' and `Fire Of The Newly Alive' examine the subject of undying soulmates. Rosanne also probes spirituality (If There's A God On My Side), and responds with a resurgence of self-love (Change Partners, You Won't Let Me).

Her inspiration spills over into the music and the band. John Leventhal's guitar work is perfectly balanced: compelling but subdued. For the more uplifting songs (The Wheel, Rose In The Fire), a studio luminary named Steuart Smith plays an intense lead guitar. The Wheel is captivating, spiritual, uplifting, and philosophical (oh yeah, you can dance to it also).

Let me start by saying that The Wheel is not a new CD for me...I have been a long time Rosanne Cash fan so I am writing a long overdue rave review about 10 years late. I write now, because I just recently rediscovered the power and perfection of this amazing collection of 11 gems. Listening again with a new perspective and sounding brand new all over again! Rosannes's lyrics, and poetic song writing style combined with her amazing ability to wrestle with the deepest human emotions make this an absolute must have CD for these times of reflection. While her previous CD "Interiors" dealt with heartbreak and other human failings in an almost cathartic way, "The Wheel" portrays the ultimate triumph of the human condition, and tells it in a way that very few singer / songwriters can. Rosanne Cash both lyrically and musically is a unique treasure. If you are not moved by this CD, I do not know what would. I guess that this chance rediscovery of one of my all time favorites is some measure of compensation for missing new musical and lyrical offerings from one of my very favorite all time artists! Add this to your collection...you will be richly rewarded.

Normally I don't go for "easy listening" sorts of music... but this is something well beyond that. There are several points about "The Wheel" that make it a unique collection of songs, though there is nothing particularly inventive or unusual. Musically, "The Wheel" is a classic example of "less is more" - I don't find it to be overproduced at all... and the arrangements are even a bit spare at times. Rosanne Cash does have a wonderful voice, though I'm not sure I'd call it a "small" voice. Yes, maybe it is "small" compared to Ann Wilson, Patty Griffin, Pat Benatar or Annie Lennox - but what voice wouldn't be in that company? Cash has a very different approach, never a power voice or a blasting set of pipes. Cash does the perfect thing with her voice on this CD - she brings out the subtleties and gentler dynamics of her instrument. "Tears Falling Down" is a great showcase for her voice, with the soft backing music that develops a solid presence as one goes deeper into the song. The songs here are very much personal touchstones - Cash has put forth songs that most people can relate to very easily. If that was her goal, I think she succeeds remarkably. "Roses in the Fire" is one of those songs that could be the soundtrack to any breakup - and "The Truth About You" is a soundtrack to really connecting with someone... in between those extremes are songs like "Sleeping in Paris", "Seventh Avenue" and the title track that all seem to resonate with the art of living in general. my favorite track is the last one "If There's a God on My Side"... who hasn't asked those questions --- and who says God has to be a man in the first place!!! When I listen to this CD, that twist in that song sums up the entire work very nicely.

About 'The Wheel', I have no revolutionary words to say, except maybe the word " GREAT " ! One of my all-time faves. If you like her, you should check out her '10 Song Demo', a cd that is more acoustic, a treasure. I LOVE her.