Backstage Pass

Natalie Cole will turn a lot of heads with her new album, "Leavin'" (Verve), which features her versions of Fiona Apple's "Criminal," Kate Bush's "The Man With the Child in His Eyes," Neil Young's "Old Man" and the first single, Aretha Franklin's "Day Dreaming." But it's her cover of the Tom Jans hit "Lovin' Arms," usually associated with Elvis Presley and Etta James, that shows how Cole has recaptured an artistic spark and R&B edginess that suggests she isn't ready to trot off into the smooth-jazz sunset just yet. Built over a single acoustic guitar line and sweet backing vocals with a hint of Bob Marley and the Wailers, "Lovin' Arms" gives Cole a chance to show off her raucous, soulful side, sounding more like Macy Gray than Miss "Miss You Like Crazy." Who knew she still had surprises up her sleeves?