That last time most of us probably remember seeing Jewel, it was back in 2003 when she was getting hosed down in front of a fire truck in her video for “Intuition.” A catchy, irony-soaked ditty about commercialism that — ultimate irony — ended up helping sell a bunch of Schick Intuition razors, “Intuition” was a hit (although the album 0304 sold poorly) and helped re-invent the often dire, if still cute, singer/songwriter into a campy pop pin-up.

“Intuition” also threatened to alienate most of her fanbase who misunderstood Jewel’s intentions and brought on accusations that the singer had sold out. Not surprisingly, Jewel’s 2006 follow-up Goodbye Alice in Wonderland was a return to her introspective folk roots. The album wasn’t bad, but it also didn’t have any strong radio hits and largely went unnoticed.

In 2008, Jewel has reinvented herself yet again as a contemporary country artist, and though it’s unclear what her fanbase will make of the switch, based on the lead-off single “Stronger Woman,” she may have finally found her true self. Hooky with a message of self-empowerment to woman that is both personal and universal, the track makes the most of Jewel’s knack for twangy, intimate melodic pop. Plus, as evidenced by her gold open-toe high-heels and shiny, metal girdle-belt, she hasn’t sacrificed any of the stylish glamour she’s earned over the past five years.

Furthermore, given the move toward stylish divas like Faith Hill, Shania Twain and now Carrie Underwood in country music, Jewel’s mix of high glam and down-home twang is even more justified. And heck, the woman grew up using an outhouse and yodeling in Alaska. If that ain’t country I don’t know what is.

Check out the video for “Stronger Woman” here.