Lucinda Williams is an icon in American music. Her 1998 album Car Wheels On A Gravel Road I consider possibly the best Americana record of the 1990s.That's lofty expectations to live up to release after release. However, Williams has little difficulty doing that on her new album Little Honey. Somehow, with each album Williams manages to match or exceed her lofty standards.
Several high profile guest musicians lend their talents to the album. The biggest of these is on "Jailhouse Tears" in which Williams duets with the legendary Elivs Costello. Ex-Bangle Susannah Hoffs and the suddenly prolific master of the pop hook Matthew Sweet provide backing vocals on "Little Rock Star". Guitarist/singer Jim Lauderdale also makes an appearance.
Despite those huge star appearances, it's the songs with Williams alone front, centre, and rocking that are the standouts. The rocker "Real Love" may be her best song since Car Wheels. "Honey Bee" is a country rock blaster that features scorching vocals.
Of course, Williams can also slow it down to haunting effect. Her knack for conveying 'sadly beautiful' songs is on full display. "If Wishes Were Horses" is an outstanding country lament in the tradition of Neil Young's "Helpless", while her deeply soulful vocals on "Tears Of Joy" make it sound like something you could hear when you pass a country revival church.
To top it all off Williams throws in a gritty blues rock cover of AC/DC's "It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Want To Rock N' Roll)", just for good measure.
Few artists have the ability to stay this vital deep into their career. Little Honey is a must have for any fan of country, rock, blues, or folk music.
Best tracks: "Real Love", "Little Rock Star"
Track listing for Little Honey:
- Real Love
- Circles and X's
- Tears Of Joy
- Little Rock Star
- Honey Bee
- Well Well Well
- If Wishes Were Horses
- Jailhouse Tears
- Knowing
- Heaven Blues
- Rarity
- Plans To Marry
- It's A Long Way To The Top
8.5
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