Terri Hendrix opens her ninth studio effort with a determined statement of purpose, the Celtic roots rhythms of “Feel the Time” demanding a carpe diem intention. That impulse runs across the LP, which serves as the first in the San Marcos songwriter’s ambitious “Project 5” series of four planned albums and an autobiography over the next year. Produced by Lloyd Maines and recruiting a stellar cast of musicians, Love You Strong ranges widely, from the crisp, intimate clarity of the title track and rolling twang of “The Rant” to the chugging stomp of “Northern Lights,” yet comes braced by a focus on and celebration of distinctly feminine strength. “The Texas Star” name checks a state tradition of strong women, while the touching “Earth-Kind Rose” wrangles with the nurturing, slow slip of age. Hendrix remains determinedly unsentimental throughout, but her grounded reality strikes with a refreshing – and empowering – honesty.

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This article appears in February 26 • 2016.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.