Jill Detroit’s latest album, “Fight Like A Girl,” covers the spectrum of life, from beginnings to endings, from free will to fate, from loyalty to infidelity. How often does one get to hear phrases like “indentured servitude” and “perceived indiscretions” in pop songs? Well, you’re going to hear those phrases and many more unforgettable ones on this extraordinary album from one of the most prolific and intelligent songwriters around. Together, Jill and her musical partner/producer Bill Bentley, continue the musical journey begun in 2009 with “Paris on the Brain,” with this latest addition to Jill Detroit’s musical memoirs collection. The album, Jill’s fifteenth in a little over five years, begins with “Just Be My Friend,” an ode to friends everywhere. Jill’s voice has never sounded so pure and clear and the instrumentation, especially the piano, perfectly complements the sentiment and melody. We see a different side of Jill on “Shopping on Sunset Boulevard,” with uncharacteristically snarky (but dead-on) lyrics bolstered by an irresistible pop melody. Next, Jill regales us with one of her classic ballads, “The Error of My Ways” which begins with the provocative line “It took a little – it took a lot of wine – but you changed my mind about us.” The song, about transforming a break-up into a trusted friendship, is absolutely stunning. Bill Bentley outdoes himself on the orchestration and Jill delivers a gorgeous, emotive lead vocal (not to mention her “Jill-ettes” background vocals). The song perfectly segues into “Sincerely, Me,” Jill’s farewell to one phase of her life. We hear sadness and hope, resignation and resolve, as Jill says goodbye to northern California, where she forged unforgettable relationships, and sets sail for a new era. One of Jill’s favorite themes, embracing life, appears with “In the Moment,” featuring Eagles-inspired background vocals performed by the “Jill-ettes.” Next, Jill takes on infidelity in the haunting “You Promised,” as she delivers a gentle reminder of the sanctity of vows, while refusing to accept “indentured servitude” if some mutual understanding of the rules of engagement cannot be reached. In “Gravity,” we hear Jill indulge in the kind of light jazz singing she excels in while Bill Bentley shines on the guitar solos and adds his voice to the chorus. “This Heart Wants You” is one of the loveliest ballads in Jill’s expansive repertoire. The song features a melody that is perfectly nestled in an arrangement that highlights the poignant message that love and acceptance are the keys to living life to the fullest. Some of the wonderfully understated lines in this song include: “If equal affection is not to be, please let the more loving one be me” and “Where the journey leads is not up to me; wherever I am is where I should be.” I have listened to the song over and over and know you will too. The title song, “Fight Like A Girl,” was inspired by the slogan for the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign and is dedicated to those brave hearts who battle breast cancer. Jill gathered breast cancer survivors and their supportive friends and family to help sing on the chorus, which should become the battle cry for those faced with daunting treatments and scary possibilities. The album concludes fittingly with “No More Goodbyes.” Once again, we get a glimpse into the heart and mind of this extraordinary singer-songwriter as she takes an honest look at the conflicting emotions embedded in life’s transitions. I honestly don’t know how this partnership continues to “up” their game as they have done consistently but I open each new album with enormous anticipation and am never disappointed. Rather, I am continually delighted and awestruck at the diversity and artistry of the musical and lyrical masterpieces this artist delivers and anxiously await her next release.