The 25th-anniversary reissue of Kelly Willis’s *What I Deserve* is a fitting tribute to an album that marked a pivotal moment in her career.

Originally released in 1999, this record stands out as a significant milestone in Willis’s journey, showcasing her evolution from a country artist trying to fit into Nashville’s mold to a versatile musician making her mark in the broader Americana genre.

The album was a departure from her earlier work, recorded under the influence of the Nashville country scene. Instead, *What I Deserve* represented Willis’s embrace of a more personal, authentic sound, featuring a blend of original compositions and intriguing covers that expanded her musical horizons. Collaborations with artists like Gary Louris and Chuck Prophet added depth and diversity to the album, while contributions from top Austin musicians gave it a distinctive, rootsy feel.

The expanded reissue on Omnivore Recordings includes not only the original tracks but also bonus material that highlights the album’s impact and legacy. This includes live recordings from her performance on *Austin City Limits* and her appearance on *Mountain Stage,* both of which capture the energy and emotion of her live performances during this era.

Willis’s reflections on the album underscore its importance in her career. She describes *What I Deserve* as a project that allowed her to chart her own course, free from the constraints of commercial expectations. This reissue not only celebrates the album’s 25th anniversary but also reaffirms its place as a turning point in Willis’s artistic journey—a record that she can indeed be proud of.