Tears of Joy

Song: Tears of Joy
Artist: Lucinda Williams
Album: Little Honey



Lucinda Williams isn’t only one of the best singer-songwriters working today, I would say she is one of the best of all time. Unfortunately, since she released four classic albums in a row, I think her latest output has been put under too tight a microscope. All of them, that is, except for her last album, “West.” I just couldn’t get into it and, feel like it is probably the weakest of all her releases. Too slow and too depressing (even for her.)

I’m happy to report that her latest is a return to form of sorts. I don’t think it’s as good as her the aforementioned four album masterpieces her self titled (1988), “Sweet Old World” (1992), “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” (1998), and “Essence” (2001.) But it reminds me of 2003’s “World Without Tears.” Not necessarily great from start to finish, but filled with solid songs.

After the dreary “West,” it’s nice to hear Lucinda rock out again with some upbeat numbers like first single “Real Love,” and “Jailhouse Tears” though still her strong suit lies within slow burning laments about love, loss, and the hardships of life. “If Wishes Were Horses” is another killer Lucinda ballad, and the almost mid-tempo “Tears of Joy” sounds like a classic bluesy soul record. Great stuff.

So “Little Honey” may not be as good as “Car Wheels,” but how do really attempt to top one of the best records ever written?

Enjoy.

“Real Love” preformed on Letterman