Mark Howard, who has produced works for Bob Dylan and U2, produced "World Without Tears." Williams credits him with convincing her to go for a stripped-down, live approach during the recording process.

"Everything was so spontaneous and emotional," she said in a statement. "We recorded the album in this huge 1920s mansion right in the middle of Los Angeles. We recorded the way a live band would record."

Backing singer-guitarist Wiliams in the studio were Doug Pettibone (guitars), Jim Christie (drums, percussion, keyboards), and Taras Prodaniuk (bass).

Known for creating works that span a number of different genres--her music has been tagged as alt-folk, rock and alt-country, among other things--Williams again amassed a number of diverse tracks for "World Without Tears."

"It shows all the different musical influences that have entered into my life," she said, "but none of it was conscious. It just happened."

Streaming samples of all 13 cuts found on "World Without Tears" are posted at Williams' website.