i've been following this whole thread delightedly, and only have a little bit to say about it. why should any one of these artists be expected to represent the feelings, experiences, and lifestyles of all women? that would be impossible. why do they have to be phases or placeholders in the zeitgeist? certainly the media has been all up in the presentation of everyone of them, and they have all dealt with it in different ways. they are very different women, with different things to say. having many albums from all four of them, i can say personally that i enjoy all of them for varied reasons. there is more than one way to feel anger - or joy, or love, or disillusionment, or confusion - i certainly believe there is more than one way to express it. isn't there room for all of them?