Lucinda Williams - "West" (Lost Highway)

Always the cause for celebration in singer/songwriter and Americana music circles is a new album from the quirky and undeniably talented Lucinda Williams. Her new album West is a rather subdued affair, but it contains some of her most heartfelt balladry yet.

West seems to be all about heartbreak and break-up at the surface, but - like all great songwriters - Williams has the ability to make her own experiences universal. The songs of her own personal struggles can be easily translated to the listener's individual experiences, and that's what makes her so revered by songwriters and fans alike. All that being said, West is certainly tempo-challenged, and tends to wear the listener down after awhile with all the moanin' and groanin' about her pain and suffering.

Perhaps a new muse is in order, or at least a little more subject matter. But - despite its' shortcomings - it's classic Lucinda in many places. We sure could have used a little more "Hot Blood" or "Essence" this go 'round, though...

Written by Dan Reed

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