Top 5…Lucinda Williams Albums
January 26th marks the 65th birthday of American singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams. She has been an incredible talent in music for almost forty years now. Producing consistently great material that dabbles in folk, country, rock and blues. She has a distinctive and endearing drawl, is always backed by an ensemble of great musicians and is just really, really great at writing songs. To celebrate her and her work, here are my top 5 favourite albums thus far in her great discography. It wasn't easy but here we go.
Previously on Top 5...Jazz for Beginners
Her most confident and stylish album? The track Righteously oozes swagger. On Ventura she sounds unapologetically despondent until soaring into a picturesque chorus. On Sweet Side her delivery is loose whilst taking an accusatory stance. This is a record where thematically, tonally and lyrically she’s not taking any shit from anyone.
Previously on Top 5...Jazz for Beginners
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5. The Ghosts Of Highway 20
2016 Highway 20 Records
Her twelfth and most recent studio album was a near ninety minute epic and had standouts like the electric opener, Dust, as well as the fiercely soulful, blues track Doors of Heaven.
4. Sweet Old World
1992 Chameleon
Her fourth LP showcased her growth as a singer and songwriter first seen on her self titled album four years prior. It features great tracks such as, Something About What Happens as well as Hot Blood, a bluesy powerhouse with a stunning vocal performance.
3. Lucinda Williams
1988 Rough Trade
The previously mentioned self titled release was album number 3 and a clear step forward for acheiving that personality and style as a songwriter. The track, The Night’s Too Long was the first example of her emotive and descriptive storytelling. The succinct and adoring track, Like a Rose, I will argue is still one of the most simply stunning songs she’s ever written.
1992 Chameleon
Her fourth LP showcased her growth as a singer and songwriter first seen on her self titled album four years prior. It features great tracks such as, Something About What Happens as well as Hot Blood, a bluesy powerhouse with a stunning vocal performance.
3. Lucinda Williams
1988 Rough Trade
The previously mentioned self titled release was album number 3 and a clear step forward for acheiving that personality and style as a songwriter. The track, The Night’s Too Long was the first example of her emotive and descriptive storytelling. The succinct and adoring track, Like a Rose, I will argue is still one of the most simply stunning songs she’s ever written.
2. World Without Tears
2003 Lost Highway
Her most confident and stylish album? The track Righteously oozes swagger. On Ventura she sounds unapologetically despondent until soaring into a picturesque chorus. On Sweet Side her delivery is loose whilst taking an accusatory stance. This is a record where thematically, tonally and lyrically she’s not taking any shit from anyone.
1. Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
1998 Mercury
Although her entire discography thus far has been great, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road remains her best work for most of us. It remains one of the most finely crafted and written albums I’ve ever heard, there doesn't seem to be a single wasted word or note and features highlights such as, the title track, Drunken Angel and Lake Charles. Honestly, an all time favourite for me.
Did I get it right? Thanks for reading. Happy listening and happy birthday Lucinda Williams!
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