Car Wheels on a Gravel Road

Before today, I'd never heard of Lucinda Williams before. From what I've read, she is a country/folk musician. This album is regarded as her break out record in which she fused elements of rock, blues, country, and Americana. After listening to the album, I would agree with that assessment. Her musical stylings remind me a lot of Sheryl Crow, but her singing ability, or lack thereof, reminds me of Bob Dylan.

When the first song came on, I was impressed with the music, then she started singing, and I thought "oh God, what am I in for?" Her delivery is nasally, her accent sounds thick, and she sounds drunk. It is hard to describe, but it is just different, and initially jarring. One of two things happened as the album played through, however. Either she found her voice after the first couple of songs, or I got used to it, because the album itself is great, and I find, is stronger on the second half.

Overall, not a bad listen today. Very "middle of the road". Perfectly average. Not a trend setter, but certainly nothing wrong with it.

Favourite songs: Lake Charles, Can't Let Go, I Lost It, Metal Firecracker, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten, Concrete and Barbed Wire

Least favourite songs: Joy (could she say the word "Joy" any more than she did in this song? It became very annoying after the first 100 or so), Right in Time

3/5

Although I've never listened to this album before, the songs seem familiar. I thought I was gonna hate it, but it's okay. Has that very 90s indie Americana sound to it that adult contemporary heavy NPR stations everywhere love so much. That middle class rootsiness trying to pretend it's less educated and worldly than it actually is.

2. painful listen.

Saved from a 1 by Joy.

Decent enough, but a bit dull.

Generic middle of the road Americana country music, not terrible, just uninteresting.

Great storytelling makes great country music. Each and every song on this album feels like prose pulled from a hard-worn diary.

Lucinda’s syrup drawl and lilting vocals bound between hints of whispers, laments and growls.

The arrangements are simple, and well executed, but a touch simple for my taste.

I can clearly see the appeal of the album. I didn’t personally connect with it, but I can appreciate it.

meh..