Second Cup Cafe: Mindy Smith

(CBS)  For critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Mindy Smith, her music is a testament to her growth - emotionally and artistically.

Smith's rise to fame started in 2003 when she was asked to cover "Jolene" on the Dolly Parton tribute album, "Just Because I'm a Woman."

Being a part of Parton's album placed Smith on an impressive lineup of artists, which includes Norah Jones, Sinéad O 'Connor, Melissa Etheridge, and Alison Krauss, among others.

Although Parton's hit song, "Jolene," has been done many times by many artists, Parton said that Smith's version is her favorite.

Smith then went on to win best new artist in 2004 with her debut album, "One Moment More." Her fourth album, "Stupid Love" hit shelves on Aug. 11.

The Long Island native stopped by "The Early Show Saturday Edition"'s "Second Cup Cafe" to perform her new single, "Highs and Lows," and "Jolene."

Smith wrote all 13 tracks on the album, which she also co-produced. On "Stupid Love" she chronicles her emotional journey through various stages of relationships and learns some important life lessons along the way.

Adopted at birth by a minister and his wife, Smith's life in Smithtown, Long Island, was surrounded by music. Her mother, who was an outstanding singer, was the music director of her father's church. She died of cancer when Smith was 19.

After Smith's 2004 debut of "One Moment More," she went on to release other successful albums. She released "Long Island Shores" in 2006, and the following year, her holiday album, "My Holiday," which both received rave reviews.

"People tend to relate to my songs because of their own experiences. And they'll take what works in their own life away from this record," Smith said on her official Web site. "Everything here is definitely from my personal experience. Heartbreak, healing, all that stuff...it's all legit."