“That’s just my cowgirl alter-ego,” hums Ani DiFranco on the title track of “Knuckle Down.”

The singer/songwriter and guitarist is back with more of her hippie attitude and dynamic talent. Her attitude shows the confidence present in her music.

“Knuckle Down” is folk music at its best. The raw, almost folk-to-punk beats intertwined with controversial lyrics and DiFranco’s powerhouse vocals craft a truly exceptional release.

Her lyrics aren’t the everyday sappy love songs or favorite dance hit but instead talk about real issues and have deeper meaning. For example, on “Paradigm” DiFranco chants out: “I was born to two immigrants, who knew why they were here … I remember the feeling of community brewing, of democracy happening.”

DiFranco is no rookie; she is a true veteran with 17 releases since her debut in 1990.

This New York native shares many anecdotes on songs like “Seeing Eye Dog,” “Studying Stones” and “Manhole.” The track list she has created, whether true stories or fake, are all tales nonetheless.

This yodeling New Yorker isn’t going anywhere fast except to No. 1.