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"Essence"
Few artists in recent memory have been
able to wring more from less than Lucinda Williams. The hauntingly
beautiful, wistful, and often breathtaking Essence is another
case in point of how far raw emotion and honesty can carry an
artist. Williams's singing is at its paralyzing best throughout
11 bare originals, an incredibly affecting vocal performance
by a woman who was not blessed with exceptional tone, range,
or pitch. Throughout, her voice is incredibly naked, vulnerable,
and wrought with feeling. "Blue" and "Broken Butterflies"
are gorgeous anti-lullabies whose simple melodies belie their
poignant ruminations. The title track is a sultry and susceptible
sex-as-drug come-on while "Reason to Cry" has all the
hallmarks of a classic country lament. The only departure from
the subdued mood is "Get Right with God," a rousing
gospel tune that practically begs for salvation through punishment
and is the rare acknowledgement of a world beyond Williams's
own fears and desires. More meditative than the personal narratives
found on Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, Essence is ultimately more
powerful. Lucinda Williams wallows in sorrow and weakness, and
the result is moving and disarming. --Marc Greilsamer |
Customer review from Amazon
Reviewer: A music fan from Alexandria,
VA
It's would be easy for an artist to follow up a critically acclaimed
masterpiece like "Carwheels..." with more of the same.
Lucinda does not take the easy path and nor should listeners.
Having just seen her at Wolftrap in VA where she performed 8
of the 11 songs on the album, I was intrigued by the contrast
- there is a little more production of course - but also by the
subtle intensity of each performed song.This is more of a haunting
sound. Some who know her only because of her up-tempo hits might
be puzzled. But to those who can appreciate the crystal clear
production of each instrument, and the clear phrasing that Lucinda
gives on each song, will be mesmerised.Very enjoyable album,
right up there with "Sweet Old World" and "LucindaWilliams"
- put this on with "Wrecking Ball" by Emmylou Harris
and you got a great double bill.This is the real thing, not smiley
face music. |
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