Lucinda Williams: Blessed – review

# Americana

# Country

# Pop and rock

(Lost Highway)

Given that she made her name with songs of heartbreak and betrayal, what motivates Lucinda Williams now she's found love? Her 10th album casts wide for inspiration. "Buttercup" bids a lover farewell with her usual disdain, but "Blessed" counts the strands of happiness. "Soldier's Song" empathises with an army far from home, while "Seeing Black" delves into the mind of a suicidal friend (the late songwriter Vic Chesnutt). Elvis Costello is among those contributing to the guitar-heavy pieces, but it's the gentle "Copenhagen" and the mournful "Kiss Like Your Kiss" that are the standouts, their reflective qualities intensified by Williams's racked vocals.

Contributor

Neil Spencer

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Article image
Charles Lloyd & the Marvels with Lucinda Williams: Vanished Gardens review – odd couple hit it off
(Blue Note)

Neil Spencer

08, Jul, 2018 @7:00 AM

Article image
Lucinda Williams: Lucinda Williams 25th Anniversary Edition – review
Louisiana country legend Lucinda Williams's classic self-titled album gets a welcome rerelease, and still sounds fantastic, writes Robin Denselow

Robin Denselow

16, Jan, 2014 @10:46 PM

Article image
Marlon Williams: Marlon Williams review – unconventional country rock
The New Zealand singer mixes Jeff Buckley influences with early rock’n’roll to bring a weathered quality to his solo debut

Paul Mardles

14, Feb, 2016 @8:00 AM

AA Bondy: Believers – review
AA Bondy's hushed melancholia is quietly spellbinding, says Phil Mongredien

Phil Mongredien

27, Nov, 2011 @12:04 AM

The Felice Brothers: Celebration, Florida – review
The Felice Brothers include synths and found sounds to winning effect, writes Molloy Woodcraft

Molloy Woodcraft

21, May, 2011 @11:05 PM

Kathleen Edwards: Voyageur – review
Kathleen Edwards's languid alt-country songs are sung with sweet simplicity on her fourth album, writes Hermione Hoby

Hermione Hoby

15, Jan, 2012 @12:04 AM

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy: Wolfroy Goes to Town – review
The prolific Will Oldham returns with a sparse, intimate album that rewards careful listening, writes Kitty Empire

Kitty Empire

29, Oct, 2011 @11:05 PM

Article image
Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland; Gillian Welch – review
Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland – Coldplay Redux – take a break from arenas and stadiums, writes Kitty Empire

Kitty Empire

27, Nov, 2011 @12:06 AM

Josh T Pearson: Last of the Country Gentlemen – review
Josh T Pearson's solo debut is terrifyingly intense, writes Ally Carnwath

Ally Carnwath

13, Mar, 2011 @12:05 AM

Civil Wars: Barton Hollow – review
Adele's favourite live duo have produced a bewitching debut album, writes Phil Mongredien

Phil Mongredien

04, Mar, 2012 @12:08 AM