Fans of Gretchen Wilson’s chart-topping 2004 debut album, “Here for the Party,” might have braced for a letdown with her latest, “All Jacked Up.”

Feel free to unbrace. This album’s even better than the first. The pride of Pocahontas, ll. pulls no punches (again) and nearly every song sounds like a dare for someone to tell the country sensation she’s all bluster – and not expect a face full ‘o knuckles.

The title track, “All Jacked Up,” is a romp about keeping an eye on your drinking.

“One Bud Wiser” is a hands down instant karaoke classic. Every country girl worth her salt will be trying to belt this one out for years to come.

t’s all here. “Politically Uncorrect” is the brazen flag-waver and “Rebel Child” is the strong sung but cautionary tale about life in the fast lane that could use a little downshifting to avoid the mistakes of youth.

Wilson turns tender for a moment on the waltz-paced ” Don’t Feel Like Loving You Today.” f there’s a better country act going, let’s see it.

– Ron Harris, AP writer