There’s a strong sense of artistic culmination on Tami Neilson’s 10th album, which follows her debut at the Grand Ole Opry, touring North America in a humble RV with her family, and winning a life-threatening battle with sepsis. Neon Cowgirl doubles down on the Canadian-born New Zealand songwriter’s soulful brand of country music, opening with dramatic strings and reverb on “Foolish Heart” as her smoMldering and then booming voice rings out with loving shades of Patsy Cline and Roy Orbison. Recorded live with producer Steven Schram (Crowded House, Paul Kelly), the album also features guest turns from NZ icon Neil Finn, Americana duo The Secret Sisters, and Oklahoma songwriter JD McPherson. “Borrow My Boots” enlists country singers Ashley McBryde and Shelly Fairchild and guitar prodigy Grace Bowers, tapping into the swagger of both roadhouse blues and girl-group soul. “Salvation Mountain” casually name-checks Willie Nelson, with whom Neilson has duetted and toured, and “Heartbreak City, USA” nods to the rollicking Bakersfield sound. Sprinkling welcome vocal and lyric grit into these romantic tunes, Neilson showcases a wider stylistic range while confirming the depth and power of her pipes.