Lucinda Williams: "Blessed" (album review)

Over the course of nine albums, Lucinda Williams has established a rock solid reputation for penning touching, personal songs.  On March 1st she returns with her tenth full length album Blessed.

The new album holds little in the way of departures for Williams.  The deeply personal lyrics and soulful vocals are present as always.  The music is earthy and warm, enhancing the mood of the songs.

I've always been partial to Williams' more rocking tracks.  While she doesn't offer up too many of those this time around, the one's that we do get are strong.  In particular, the twangy opener "Buttercup" and "Seeing Black", featuring guitar work by Elvis Costello, are standouts.

The arrangements don't always support the songs as well as they could.  For example, "Soldier's Song" feels slow and long-winded, while the title track and "Sweet Love" are just plain uninteresting.  Those few instances are redeemed by the bulk of the album though.

As the gospel-inspired "Convince Me" proves, Lucinda Williams still has it, and she's showing no signs of slowing down.

Lucinda Williams plays Massey Hall in Toronto on March 3rd & 4th.


Best tracks: "Seeing Black", "Convince Me"

Track listing for Blessed:

• Buttercup
• I Don't Know How You're Livin'
• Copenhagen
• Born To Be Loved
• Seeing Black
• Soldier's Song
• Blessed
• Sweet Love
• Ugly Truth
• Convince Me
• Awakening
• Kiss Like Your Kiss

7.0/10

Lucinda Williams' website