Car Wheels On A Gravel Road

It's hard to understand how Car Wheels On A Gravel Road could be recommended at all, let alone make it onto a list like 1001 albums. The music is generic modern country, not distinguished by creative songwriting, kickass soloists, or anything else, unless you count the Cajun lilt on a few tunes. Maybe the blandness of the music is meant to highlight the stellar pipes of Lucina Williams? Nope. Her voice is as homely and dull as dishwater. But surely the lyrics are superior? Well, not really. Lucina Williams frontloads her best tunes; the first several songs demonstrate a keen grasp of quotidian life and a sure sense of place, but by the end of the album, the lyrics are so generic they could have been written by a computer program. The best compliment I can give Car Wheels On A Gravel Road is that it isn't actively unpleasant--just boring. Is this the best modern country has to offer? I sure hope not.

“Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” by Lucinda Williams (2006) Never heard of this album or this artist. I took a different approach with this one: I read the Wikipedia article on the album and the one on Lucinda Williams, plus I checked out the lyrics, all before starting to listen. I was expecting something nice. I was disappointed. In the first couple of songs, the vocal quality is worse than not good—it’s uninteresting. Later in the album she does some vocal stylings in the upper parts of her range which are good, which reveals that her usual lazy, out-of-tune style is affected, not natural. It’s off putting to me. It lacks authenticity. Her voice is much better when she’s forced to blend with another singer—another indication that drunk-sounding style (as on “Drunken Angel”) is a put on. Also, she intentionally varies the degree of her southern accent. She really pours it on in the song “Concrete and Barbed Wire”. Creepy. In “Greenville“ her vocals are better, because, I think, in this case she’s forced to blend with Emmy Lou Harris. As in “Heartbreaker” by Ryan Adams (reviewed a few days back), here’s Emmy Lou again, putting in a mediocre backup performance. Williams and Harris don’t blend, but at least Williams appears to try. Standard chord structures and rhythms with good backing instrumentals and recording quality, but her contribution to the music is limited to guitar—not much to showcase. The songwriting is what she’s known for, and she does have some talent here, painting poetic pictures of southern lower middle class ambiance. But there’s nothing here that has power. Only pity. This recording won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album of 1998. Hmmm. 2/5

call it country or call it a comeback, it's a god damn masterpiece. love letter to dive bars, breakup letter to pain. fav track: 2 kool 2 be 4-gotten

Had no idea who this artist was (possibly a result of my overall lack of country music knowledge) but she's left an immediate impression on me. Just a country gal with a lot of soul. It's lonely, longing, but not depressing. It's a sort of familiar loneliness that you can appreciate and drift away with. The album never dwells on one feeling for too long though, as it picks up and slows down in nice peaks and valleys. Some songs lean further in a country rock direction than simple folk. This variation is welcomed and makes the music all the more enjoyable.

Thoroughly boring and forgettable. Sounds like royalty free music composed for the SUV commercials that run after an episode of Pioneer Woman. The fact that this is Rolling Stone Magazine's 98th best album of all time shows what a complete disgrace that magazine is. Some albums get onto these sorts of lists not because the MUSIC is good or impressive, but because of their cultural context. Like wow a country woman lazily singing about “Broken down shacks, engine parts”, this album must be so heckin culturally significant!!! As if that's what makes a good album I like old folksy country music quite a bit, from the 1970s and earlier. But modern country utterly disgusts me. The way she pronounces "Pierce the skin and the blood runs through" in the first song makes me vomit.

I really like her voice and style, it reminds me of a feminine version of the guy from the Eels for some reason. Great songs throughout. I just wish it didn’t get so samey, but that’s the nature of the genre sometimes.

My rating for today is not based as much on the music or lyrics (which I did enjoy) as it is on the experience that this album gave to me today. My familiarity with Lucinda Williams comes from a friend including a selection of her tunes on some mixed tapes. Although that friend died a little over a year ago, she definitely accompanied me on my walk today as I listened to the album. She even made a point to give me a nod through a passer-by...The person asked me what time it was so that I could tell them the time and then mumble, "If you want to know the time, buy a watch."

Never been all that much of a Country guy but when it comes to the travails of love and lust there is material like this that deftly trumps any rock and roll dicks out bombast... "I take off my watch and my earrings My bracelets and everything Lie on my back and moan at the ceiling Oh my baby" No content warning on that, damn.

Whatever else you might think of the genre, there’s no denying that this is a finely crafted, beautifully assembled collection of songs. The production is excellent and the arrangements are terrific. Williams has a knack for evocative images and storytelling. There’s a veracity and an authenticity to the writing.

I’m shocked how much I liked this, not at all my typical style but it’s just so good.

Beautiful - it doesn't sound like she's copying an older band but still is remaining true to country roots while sounding modern and fresh.

~550 albums in on this project and this is exactly the type of album that keeps me coming back. Sounds like so much because it’s descended from so much and so much has come from it! Just a beautiful sound. I hate to admit I had no clue about Lucinda Williams but here I am, one listen in and I feel like I know her. Just looked up her tour this summer to see if we can make a trip…

**Album Review: "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" by Lucinda Williams** *Release Date:* June 30, 1998 *Label:* Mercury Records *Genre:* Americana, Country Rock "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" is Lucinda Williams' fifth studio album, and it stands as a seminal work in the Americana and country rock genres. The album's creation spanned several years and multiple recording sessions, with Williams striving for perfection in both the songwriting and production phases. The result is a critically acclaimed album that has left an indelible mark on the music landscape. ### Lyrics Lucinda Williams is renowned for her lyrical prowess, and "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" showcases her storytelling abilities at their finest. The album's lyrics paint vivid pictures of Southern life, filled with richly drawn characters and evocative scenes. Williams' songs often explore themes of longing, loss, and resilience, rooted deeply in her Southern upbringing. **Key Tracks and Lyric Highlights:** 1. **"Right in Time"** - The opening track captures the essence of romantic longing and desire. Williams' lyrics are intimate and candid, exploring the nuances of a love affair with lines like, "Not a day goes by I don’t think about you / You left your mark on me, it’s permanent, a tattoo." 2. **"Car Wheels on a Gravel Road"** - The title track is a nostalgic ode to childhood memories, with Williams reminiscing about car rides on country roads. The lyrics, "Broken down shacks, engine parts / Could tell a lie but my heart would know," highlight her ability to find beauty in the mundane and the everyday. 3. **"Drunken Angel"** - This song is a tribute to the late singer-songwriter Blaze Foley. Williams' poignant lyrics capture the tragic beauty of Foley's life and death, painting him as a "drunken angel" with lines like, "Blood spilled out from the hole in your heart / Over the strings of your guitar." Williams' writing is both deeply personal and universally relatable, often addressing complex emotions and experiences with remarkable clarity and sensitivity. ### Music Musically, "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" blends elements of country, rock, blues, and folk, creating a rich and textured soundscape. The instrumentation is meticulously crafted, with each track offering a distinct sonic experience while maintaining a cohesive overall sound. **Instrumentation and Arrangements:** 1. **Guitar Work** - The album features exceptional guitar work, with contributions from guitarists like Gurf Morlix, Steve Earle, and Charlie Sexton. The interplay between acoustic and electric guitars provides a dynamic range, from the jangly riffs of "Can't Let Go" to the haunting slide guitar on "Lake Charles." 2. **Rhythm Section** - The rhythm section, featuring bassists such as Roy Bittan and drummers like Donald Lindley, anchors the album with steady, driving beats. The rhythmic backbone is particularly evident on tracks like "Joy," where the propulsive groove complements Williams' raw vocal delivery. 3. **Additional Instruments** - The album's sonic palette is further enriched by the use of instruments like the accordion, played by Jim Lauderdale on "2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten," and the mandolin, which adds a rustic charm to "Greenville." The production, handled by Williams herself along with Roy Bittan and Steve Earle, is polished yet organic, allowing the songs' emotional weight to shine through without overproduction. ### Production The production journey of "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" was notably tumultuous, involving multiple recording sessions and producers. Williams' perfectionism and commitment to capturing the right sound and feel led to a prolonged production process. However, this meticulous approach paid off, resulting in an album that feels both timeless and immediate. **Production Elements:** 1. **Vocal Production** - Williams' vocals are front and center throughout the album, capturing her emotive, raspy delivery with clarity. The production ensures that her voice remains the focal point, whether she's delivering a tender ballad or a gritty rocker. 2. **Sound Quality** - The album boasts a warm, analog sound quality, with a balance between crispness and warmth that enhances the listening experience. The mix allows for the intricate details of the instrumentation to be heard without overshadowing the vocal performances. 3. **Consistency** - Despite the multiple recording sessions and changing producers, the album maintains a consistent sound and mood. This is a testament to Williams' vision and the skillful blending of various elements to create a unified whole. ### Themes "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" explores a range of themes that resonate deeply with listeners, particularly those familiar with the Southern United States. The themes of the album are grounded in personal experience and cultural heritage, offering a rich tapestry of narratives. **Major Themes:** 1. **Nostalgia and Memory** - Many of the songs on the album deal with memories of the past, from childhood experiences to lost loves. The title track exemplifies this theme, as Williams recalls the sights and sounds of her youth. 2. **Loss and Grief** - Songs like "Drunken Angel" and "Lake Charles" delve into the pain of losing loved ones. Williams' ability to articulate the complexities of grief makes these songs deeply affecting. 3. **Love and Longing** - Romantic longing is a recurring theme, explored with nuance and honesty. "Right in Time" and "Still I Long for Your Kiss" capture the yearning and desire that accompany love and relationships. 4. **Resilience and Survival** - Despite the often melancholic tone, there is an underlying theme of resilience and survival. Tracks like "Joy" embody a defiant spirit, with Williams declaring, "You took my joy, I want it back." ### Influence and Legacy "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" has had a profound influence on the Americana and country music scenes. Its blend of genres, coupled with Williams' distinctive voice and songwriting, has inspired countless artists and solidified her status as a critical darling. **Influence on Music:** 1. **Americana Genre** - The album is often cited as a cornerstone of the Americana genre, blending traditional country sounds with rock and blues influences. Its success helped pave the way for other artists in the genre to gain mainstream recognition. 2. **Songwriting Standards** - Williams' lyrical depth and storytelling have set a high standard for songwriting in the country and Americana genres. Her influence can be heard in the work of artists like Kacey Musgraves, Jason Isbell, and Sturgill Simpson. 3. **Female Voices in Country** - Williams' success with "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" has been particularly impactful for female artists in country music, demonstrating that women can achieve critical and commercial success while maintaining artistic integrity. ### Pros and Cons **Pros:** 1. **Lyrical Brilliance** - Williams' songwriting is unparalleled, with vivid, evocative lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. 2. **Musical Diversity** - The album's blend of country, rock, blues, and folk creates a rich and varied listening experience. 3. **Production Quality** - The production is polished yet organic, enhancing the emotional impact of the songs. 4. **Emotional Depth** - The themes of the album are explored with nuance and honesty, making for a deeply affecting listen. 5. **Influence** - The album's impact on the Americana and country music scenes is significant, inspiring a new generation of artists. **Cons:** 1. **Pacing** - Some listeners may find the album's pacing to be slow, with a focus on mid-tempo and ballad-style songs. 2. **Production Delays** - The tumultuous production process led to delays in the album's release, which may have hindered its initial impact. 3. **Homogeneity** - While the album's consistency is a strength, some may find a lack of variety in the overall sound and mood. ### Conclusion "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" is a masterful album that stands as a testament to Lucinda Williams' talent and perseverance. Its lyrical depth, musical richness, and emotional resonance make it a landmark work in the Americana and country genres. Despite the challenges faced during its production, the album's enduring influence and critical acclaim affirm its status as a classic. For listeners seeking an authentic and powerful musical experience, "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" offers a journey worth taking.

To say I’m blown away is an understatement. This is everything I want in a record — female songwriter with lyrical poems about being a townie over shredding guitar. I’m far from a country girl, but Lucinda Williams embodies that punk ethos that country originally stood for in a way that really speaks to me. It still has the twang and topical focus of country, but it does so in a way that transcends genre cliches. Honestly, it’s a great entry point into country, and I’m shocked I didn’t come to it sooner. There isn’t a bad song on this album, and to my own surprise, it is quickly becoming a newfound favorite.

Really loved this vibe. Great singer great songs

This album may not sound fresh now, but coming in on the heels of the 90’s pop-country explosion, it was raw and gritty Americana that is one of the albums that marked a growing split between mainstream country and more rootsy country. This album, along with those form The Old 97s, Whiskeytown and a few others helps to pave the way (pun kind of intended) for Drive By Truckers, Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson and others. Putting aside its historical significance, it’s a great album that I still find compelling.

A marvellous collection of careworn songs from a life well-lived. Beautifully recorded, sensitively played, with wonderful vocals.

Simply Awesome! Loved this album and can’t believe I have never heard it before. I have heard of Lucinda Williams but didn’t know anything about her our her music. She’s Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlisle, She is awesome. I will share this album with friends and listen to it again and again. Now I need to listen to more of here music.

The first big concert I went to was Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. I’d asked for tickets for my birthday, and my parents got us floor seats, something like row 6 or 8, center stage. Tom was fantastic, obviously. The opener was Lucinda Williams, touring Car Wheels. I was passingly familiar because my dad sometimes played the album in the car. I sadly don’t remember a lot about her set, because I was more anxiously awaiting Tom Petty; I do remember that Mike Campbell came out and played a song or 2 with her. Years later, as an adult, I rediscovered this album and began to fully appreciate & understand it. Growing up in Mississippi, I can appreciate a lot of aspects of this album; I often tell people that the title track sounds like my childhood (I literally lived on a gravel road). Suffice it to say, this album is a masterpiece & will always be near & dear to my heart. If you’ll excuse me now, I’m gonna go to West Memphis & look for my joy.

Lucinda Williams is the GOAT!

This is the reason I am doing 1001 albums. What a masterpiece. The story behind the album is fascinating and, especially because of its time, amazing. This album was a modern movement before it existed. Alt-Country, Americana, Outlaw, everything good modern country has become. And Lucinda is a fucking badass. This is a collection of amazing character studies that, when taken together are a whole world. You can come back to this well time and time again and find something new. A true masterpiece! Best saved song: 2 cool 2 B 4gotten

5/5 for a summer evening

Another amazing album from an artist I'd never heard of. Some great guitar tones on this.

Great vocals and songs. Impressive.

Wow! I loved this one. I had listened to it before in the car with Mary, so that probably helped. But I just adored the songwriting and the feel of this one. It just kept on trucking along!

Love this album! My first time hearing it.

heard it. love it.

I had never listened to Lucinda Williams other than hearing something on the radio. I love this album and the way she sings, its best when it feels loose and spontaneous. I will definitely listen to this again. Will also look at some live performances because i bet they are great.

Her raw, gritty voice perfectly matches the words and music. The song Car Wheels… makes me think fondly of my own childhood in a rural community with unpaved roads and free-range cousins. I can still sing along to every song.

Nothing supports time travel quite like an amazing album. I was at Rehobeth Beach, summer 1998 with my girlfriends all morning while listening to this. This album was on repeat on WXPN back in the day and the CD traveled with me everywhere that year. Jen and I went to see Lucinda on South Street too. I love this albums so deeply.

5/5. Hard to find fault in these collection of Americana songs. Just back to back, wonderful simple vocals from Lucinda on all songs. Catchy lyrics, easy to sing with, or listen and enjoy the breezy and thoughtful music. Love this, no notes.

I've often said in my reviews that I'm not too much into country or country-rock, but it seems *Car Wheels On The Gravel Road* is one of the (stellar) exceptions to this rule of thumb, which proves the reputation of this record is well-deserved (at least for me). Maybe it's because of the overall "sound" of the album, very much indebted to nineties alt-rock as well, or because of William's voice--rough around the edges in ways that I usually love, and reminding me of other "alternative" artists such as Lisa Germano. Or maybe it's just because of the great songs and instrumentations--catchy on the surface, but also displaying some interesting textures for the genre once in a while--accordion and/or quite noisy electric guitar riffs played by expert musicians around Lucinda. And the lyrics are so damn evocative: you really feel like you're sharing the routines of distraught young or middle-aged women living in the deep south, stuck in old houses with a quaint charm sprouting out of fields in the sticks, going from boyfriends / husbands doing time in jail to other deadbeat alcoholic boyfriends met in seedy dive bars, or visiting piss-poor friends and their families in the neighboorhood. "Leaning against the railing of a Lake Charles bridge / Overlooking the river, leaning over the edge / He asked me; "Would you jump into the water with me?" / I told him: "No way baby, it's your own death, you see". Those lines ending " 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten" are just one example of how evocative those lyrics can be. There's not a single dud in this LP, at least if you take it as a panorama of all that country-rock has to offer when it's aptly written and performed. Sure, you have some unavoidable musical and lyrical clichés here and there, but the latter are always served with some tasty gravy on the side. Some isolated diners found on the road can sometimes serve you meals as memorable as the ones of fancy restaurants, as "simple" as those meals can look on the menu. Because *all* those songs have something valuable to bring to the table, and the dynamics of the tracklisting, the way those cuts displaying so many different moods are following each other, create one of those records that are always a "joy" to return to. The lively jam of the penultimate song bearing that name is one of the highlights of the album by the way, and so is the simple-yet-heartfelt acoustic ballad "Jackson" closing the proceedings. And speaking of highlights, opener "Right In Time", the title-track, " 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten", along with that other acoustic ballad "Concrete And Barbed Wire" and that killer cover of Randy Weeks' "Can't Let Go" are not to be missed as well. So I'm delighted to add Lucinda Williams to my list of "exceptions" when it comes to country and country-rock (Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, The Flying Burrito Brothers, along with some strings of songs by Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton or Marty Robbins). And I'm ready to leave a huge tip on the table. 5 stars then. Number of albums left to review: 291 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 313 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 171 Albums from the list I won't include in mine (many other records are more important to me): 230

One of my favorite singer-songwriter albums. Nothing but great songs and memorable melodies front to back. The first six songs in particular are fantastic. “Joy” is such a good rocker! That chorus is a head-banging, get the crowd chanting anthem. It’s got a great rough and sloppy guitar solo too!

Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels on a Gravel Road This album poves to me that our musical tastes can change. I bought this CD when it first came out and I didn't really like it. Looking back, I'm not sure why that was. But listening to it today (over 25 years later) I find this album fits my musical tastes. At the time this would have been considered Alternative Country, but today we'd call it Americana. Which is a genre I love. This album is amazing and I may need to start incorporating more Lucinda Williams into my listening during the day. Hey voice fits these songs and I now completely understand the hype surrounding this album when it came out. I just want ready at 25 but at 51, I get it! Lucinda is an American treasure! 5/5

So glad to see this gem on the list. So many amazing songs.

This album introduced me to Lucinda Williams. Not a bad song on here and some are truly great. She's a fantastic storyteller and brilliant, emotional, songwriter. This album is the definition of "americana" style rock. Definitely straddles genres and blends them together seamlessly. Didn't realize that the album was produced by a combination of Roy Bittan and Steve Earle, which is another thing to love about it.

What an amazing album. Great music, fantastic singing, and songwriting that is simply next level. 5 stars

A masterpiece

Absolutely flawless. Top-notch americana.

Just oozes authenticity. This is perhaps a bit less raggedly confessional or emotionally raw as some of her other records, which might cost a bit of power, but it also avoids the risk of sloppy sentimentality (which has been a bit of a occupational hazard for Lu) and gives a sense of control and mastery of every song. This is musicmaking at a very high level, well conceived, extremely well executed, and not overdone or showy. Every song works, and the first five are uniformly strong. The songwriting is terrific, the playing expertly professional. She's a true artist it's hard to believe there's only one of her records on this esteemed list.

I was in the midst of a huge alt-country (that was what we called it then, the term “Americana” came later) phase at the time this album came out. Uncle Tupelo, Whiskeytown, Son Volt, Ryan Adams, the Jayhawks, the Bottlerockets, Wilco, the Old 97’s, the Mavericks, Gillian Welch, Slobberbone, Golden Smog, and -more than any other - this album. Even though I’m not still in that phase, I enjoy all that music to this day and have great residual affection for it. I would rank this album as one of my favorites of all time and think there is an argument that it represents the ultimate culmination of the alt-country genre. Alt-country cut out all the cheese of 80’s and 90’s country and stripped it back to basics, but also made it new. Alt-country artists were making country music with one eye on Hank and the other on the Ramones. Musically, “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” leaned more traditional than a lot of the other bands doing this at the time but still sounded incredibly fresh. Lyrically, this album surpassed all of its contemporaries, which is hard to do when you’re talking about Jeff Tweedy at his absolute best. Lucinda Williams’s lyrics perfectly describe the world of the rural South that I grew up in, or maybe that I have just made up in my head from scraps of memories and stories and popular culture. “When I get back this room better be picked up”; “Sorry no credit don’t ask, bathroom wall reads ‘Is God the answer? Yes!’”. That world couldn’t have survived modernity because it was like a junebug in a hurricane, and it shouldn’t have because it was full of absolute horrors. But those dark parts made the light spots glow like a neon sign in the middle of nowhere on a pitch black night. Those parts of that time and place were too cool to be forgotten. “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” helps keep their memory alive.

A true artist, who puts it all out there and in nearly every song – aching and vulnerable heart, deep and yearning soul, sharp mind and a spirit roughly the size of the continent. Sometimes she overdoes it but this is extraordinary well balanced with the raw power channeled powerfully and beautifully. Plus it's extraordinarily well crafted and executed -- a fully worthy Grammy winner for sure. Several pure classics here and not a dog in the bunch. Great writing (alternatingly poetic, short storyesque and journalistic), mastery of the mid-tempo, and authenticity that puts most other artists (in this genre or adjacents) utterly to shame. That the music business (i.e., record cos) didn’t know what to do with her illustrates just how clueless and soulless it is. That only one of her records is in this esteemed list suggests the same of the editors. And someone pls explain why Greil Marcus so loathes the lady.

Oldie but goodie with lots of memories attached.

Another alt-country classic. I'd say it's probably more of a 4 for me but the community score for this is criminally bad. It's getting a 5, it deserves it for its influence on the scene alone.

My all time favorite country/americana album. The images Lucinda Williams are able to describe with her frail but powerful voice are incredibly vivid.

This kind of blew me away. The production was phenomenal - really transported me to a sunny, dry afternoon in the country. Top notch songwriting. Can’t think of any reason to go below a 5.

My first 5 starrer here. Fantastic record

Perfect country album delivered with a marvellous Lurleen Lumpkin drawl and tight backing. Like driving through an unremarkable American small town, grabbing someone at random with your eyes closed and asking their story.

Not sure if I'd rank this as one of the "1001 best ever", but I really liked this! I love Americana, and the crossroads of Blues, Country, and Rock. Titular track, Lake Charles, Greenville, and Still Long For Your Kiss are all highlights.

I particularly enjoyed the (strangely titled) 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten, which means more heartland rock than country I guess. There's a bit of Dylan influence at times, but she has a distinctive voice and her own brand of Americana, updated for the 90s. Some of this sounds like stuff Taylor Swift would like... The middle section is almost all good, with only Concrete and Barbed Wire missing the mark for me. Metal Firecracker might be the best of the bunch, bendy guitar blending harmoniously with her drawl. Jackson is a great closer, mournful voice full of vibrato amid gentle acoustic backing.

first let’s get this out of the way… she’s not a great singer. i would describe her voice as four parts sheryl crow and one part courtney love. this was ok, but i wasn’t really blown away.

So yesterday, in my review of the Joe Ely record, I wrote how about how the traditionalism found in country music doesn’t resonate with me. “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” suffers less from adherence to traditionalism and presents a more modern take on country, in a sort of an alt-country-ish way. The traditionalism isn’t fully erased, it wouldn’t be country music if it were, but it’s light enough that this record is more palatable for me. Overall, this is a solid album. I like Lucinda Williams’ voice and the instrumentation is engaging. It hasn’t converted me into a country music fan and I’m not sure I really get the high critical praise for this record, but at the same time, country music isn’t for me, so I don’t feel like I can really say that it is or isn’t an important record in the canon of country music.

solid southern folk country

She still longs for his kiss, I long for the album to end.

This was an alright background listen, the album was not too bad but nothing too exciting as well. I think that it had a bit of an outdated sound, given that it came out in 1998, so I thought that maybe Lucinda Williams would have been popular 20-30 years prior to that, but it's actually this album that was her breakthrough.

I think that I really tried to find something that stuck out to me, but I failed. I can see why people want to listen to it but personally I was just mindlessly hearing it. It’s not something I would usually listen to and I definitely was interested at first, but nothing really swayed me into thinking oh yeah this is BIG. I wasn’t necessarily bored, but just left kind of unsurprised.

I want to like this album. I have listened to it multiple times over the years, but cannot find anything to hook me. The songwriting is great, the guitar is great, the guest contributions are great, I just can't get my brain to enjoy the whole experience. There are 2 or 3 songs I added to my Liked Songs, but those were exceptions.

I did you a private session for Spotify as I don't want Spotify to think I have any interest in listening to contemporary country because I don't. It's derivative and bland. This album is no exception. I admit I was in a bad mood when I listened to this and probably am giving it a worse review because of it, but hey music should make me feel better, now more irritated.

Stunning album by an incredible artist. Many coming through the alt-country current structure owe a debt to her.

Encore un album du musilot de China China. Rempli de maudites bonnes chansons. J'adore la voix de Lucinda Williams.

You can't hear pictures. Car wheels on a gravel road cover: Super belle découverte, je l'ai écouté 3x en une journée.

Excellent country! Belle voix un peu écorchée, belle instrumentation, refrains catchy. Parfois un peu répétitif mais je suis prêt à pardonner. Etrangement elle est bonne pour chanter au sujet de villes, certaines de mes préférées étant Greenville et Jackson (et Druken Angel, et Can’t let go)

Sometimes I wonder if listening to all these albums is worth it, but then I get gems like these and I know that opening my mind and trying new things is always, always worth it. Oh my god. There's just something so relatable to CWOAGR, even though I am the perfect opposite of a small town Southern american broken-hearted lady - I guess some experiences are truly shared amongst all women, such as longing for home and mourning the loss of girlhood. Anyways. I LOVE FOLK COUNTRY

Amazingly constructed breakup album

Great Americana album

The poet's daughter crams this full of great writing. A winner.

Unexpectedly brilliant

Von den Alben die ich bisher gehört hab ist das mein liebstes. Kannte die Musikerin nicht hab mich aber gewundert tatsächlich ein Album von ihr auf einer Playlist zu haben. Gefällt mir!

This is Nashville country done right. First 2 songs are pure brilliance. It's a niggle, but I'd have wished for a better mix. The drums are just too heavy throwing it out of balance. Playing is great, it was all in the post mixing. Won't impact my stars. This is a 5 through and through. Can't Let Go is still buzzing in my ears.

Raw, at times. Full of pathos, much fo the time. Real, all the time. Car Wheels on a Gravel Road is what country music should be - raw, pathos, and real. Alas, most is not but thank goodness for Lucinda. These are stories that tug at the heart, but there is enough joy to keep the listener from drowning in dispair. Her gravelly voice perfectly fits the stories and her band is just what this type of music needs.

Really liked this. Good meaningful story telling lyrics which is always the thing with country music. Good production, good overall sound, chilled and laid back. If I am gaining anything from this site, it's a growing appreciation for country music

A bittersweet explanation of America in the 21st century. Where are we headed and what's with this handbasket??

A beautiful album. Incredible songs, well performed, and no filler. I haven’t listened to this album much, but I can understand why it’s held in such high esteem by artists I love. Lucinda is a treasure.

So many amazing songs. One of the best albums across all genre.

This is how modern country should sound. It is not slick, as so much '90s and beyond country is, no over-produced pop sheen. It is well played and sounds like a real band with Lucinda Williams's world-weary voice sitting over dobros and fiddles, americana, r&b influenced, earthy music.

All time classic. I’m a sucker for country/folk with female vocals, and this checks all the boxes. Amazing singing. Guitar playing that borders on late-90s Midwest emo. Every song is a stand out.

earlier i said you should use Willie Nelson's Red Headed Stranger to introduce your friend to country. i think that if that doesn't work, you should invariably use "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road". Lucinda isn't the most energetic or impressive singer in country, you might even hate her voice, but she's got the passion. in my opinion, passion's what matters in the genre. you can say whatever you want, sure, tell what ever story you have in your head, but do you mean it with your heart? i get the feeling Lucinda Williams does. this whole album makes me wanna sob at a bar.

This is the 33rd album I’m rating. I think I’ve seen the cover and heard about it but that was probably years ago in a dark alley. So I don’t know what to expect. Adding to my Playlist - Right in Time, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, 2 Kool 2 be 4-Gotten, Drunken Angel, Concrete and Barbed Wire, Lake Charles, Can’t Let Go, I Lost It, Metal Firecracker, Greenville, Still I Long for Your Kiss, Joy, and Jackson. Not Adding to my Playlist - Nothing. Right in Time - This is good but I’m expecting that singing to get annoying. Drunken Angel - I’m sorry I said that this singing is incredible. Weirdly this made me smile but it’s just too good. Can’t Let Go - I hate to agree with the Grammys but this is great and the best song on the album. Still I Long for Your Kiss - Fantastic and a contender for best song on the album. Probably best song on the album. Joy - This album just gets better and better. This is definitely a contender for best song. All in all I liked 13/13 songs. If not for this list I might not’ve ever listened to this album. This is a top 10 album of all time for me maybe even top 5 but either way I love this album. Fuck it I’m putting it top 5. It is just so good.

Car Wheels on a Gravel Road is a charmingly gruff affair, a ceaselessly great showcase for Lucinda Williams as she touts out tales of travel and love either fulfilled, lost or misplaced. There is nary a wasted note on here and is worthy of a continued listen.

One of my all time favourites. Chill country folk. Americana. Very melancholy. Voice can be a bit grating at times. But sets an immaculate mood.

Lucinda Williams my beloved

Probably the best country rock that I've listened to. The front half of this is banger after banger and when she opens up with ballads midway through it makes them even more impactful. The imagery and lyricism is excellent but the hooks and instrumentation are great and fit right in. This album feels deeply personal and Williams puts so much of herself into the album. The closing tracks are slower and moodier but the album pacing works towards it and gets you invested earlier. To me this is exactly what country can be. It has elements of indie and rock but this softer side has a lot to offer too. It's really a 4 star album but I keep coming back to it and it's just too enjoyable.

Classic Americana performed flawlessly. This album evokes such a sense of nostalgia. Clean, simple, timeless. Love this entire album, but favorites are Right In Time, Can't Let Go and Joy.

I'm a little shocked at how much of a banger this album is. Figured at nearly an hour of country there'd be some lull but all these songs are great!

This is one of the records that set me on the Americana path. It checks all the boxes, the songs, the singing, musicians, the attention to detail in the production is incredible. Easily in my top 100 records. Also includes maybe the greatest song ever about female masturbation

I'm sure I've heard Lucinda before, but this is my first time knowingly listening to her. I think this is stellar. This type of 70's Laurel Canyon Americana is all right by me and it's about as Country as I want to get. There's a Neil Young/Sheryl Crow/Tom Waits vocal delivery in some melodies that I find really enjoyable. This album is a find. Sidenote; I try to only read 5 star reviews. It's nice to read how these albums have had a positive impact on peoples lives. Music is great.

Had this record as a safe voice when it was windy outside. Fantastic songs.

Best bit have less country and western

Melding Miranda Lambert and Susan Cowsill with her own unique style.

incredible mixing. instruments in perfect balance, full of space.

Loved it!!!

Kakvo jebeno remek djelo naslovna stvar je savršenstvo

Love Lucinda. Gritty Americana.

Love Lucinda!

Love me some Lucinda, and this is absolutely the album to pick. Roots, country, blues and folk blended together perfectly with her trademark lyricism while escaping the trappings of so many now-dated sounding 90s albums.

Really nice music here that just feels good to listen to. I’m torn between a 4 and a 5, but it has been growing on me as I listen so I’ll round up. I do like her self titled album more though. Fave songs: Can’t Let Go, Still I Long For Your Kiss (awesome guitar solo) Jackson. Glad to hear something like this on the list.

Very nice music

I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did, considering I wasn’t very positive about it when I first heard it. But, outside of one glaring exception (‘Joy’ is incredibly stupid), the songs are all great. It keeps an incredible consistency in being good, and the songs are enjoyable with good lyrics. Really, I don’t completely know why I’m rating it so high, but I really enjoy it.

LOVE IT

Almost as amazing as her movie scores of star wars and Harry Potter 2