Lucinda Williams - West

"I shudder to think what it would mean, if the President wore pink, if a prostitute was Queen...
if dogs became kings, and the Pope should cum; if hobos had wings, and God was a bum"


Perfect if:
You like strong folk female singers
You're in a melancholic mood


Try something a little more exciting if:
You're looking for something upbeat
You like music more than voice


Before I listened to this album, I didn't know much about her.  I only discovered this album because I was searching for a bluegrass song collaboration she did with someone else.  So I knew she was an older country folk singer, and soon found out she is sometimes considered one of the female country outlaws.  But if you're one who will disregard her simply for being country, ignore that last sentence.  This album is not just for country fans.  Lucinda has a mournful voice and tells a story packed with emotion.

She is one of those "real" singers: gritty, honest, and rough but somehow melodic and sings about subjects to which we can all relate.  If ever you're in a melancholic mood, West is the perfect album.  Each song is about a depression or tragedy, though some have a hopeful undertone.
The music itself is simple.  Often, a guitar is all that she really needs.  In fact, she did an entire tour with only her guitarist to accompany her.  As a result, most of the songs are slow passionate ballads.

There are two main wistful songs you should check out.  'Unsuffer Me' is an electric guitar based song where she yearns to be released from a withering relationship.  'Are you Alright' is the opposite, a mournful song where she lost her love and hopes that, if he doesn't come back, he is at least well.

'What If' is a song simply asking what if... What if things were reversed?  What would happen to your prejudices if the things you knew became the opposite?  There are no answers in her song, just a demand that you consider another point of view.

If you're not in the forlorn mood, there is one song that is slightly more upbeat.  Her bad girl attitude makes it's only real appearance in 'Wrap My Head Around That', and while it's still a bit slow, is a good song no matter your preference.