Reviews (page 3 of 8)
I really like a lot of this album, having only discovered it about a year ago. I do find it a bit repetitive, and that it dips in quality a bit in the middle, but her songwriting is excellent. I just wish the music was a bit more interesting. The best songs are the ones with better instrumentation and melodies, like the title track, 2 Kool, and Joy. Also really enjoy Lake Charles.
- Here's another example of the difficulty of this whole idea of rating these albums; I just can't place this record in the context of when it was released even though I'm certain that I heard then. My memory fails me. Listening to it now, the sound seems somewhat boring but, at the time of it's release, it was refreshing. I'm just unable to reclaim that experience ..... that's a failing on my part. It's a solid record with good writing and good performances. It's quite enjoyable. She made art and I'm not qualified to judge ..... -
Starting to understand country a bit more. Listened 3 times, on the 3rd… it clicked. Not a big lyrics guy but some great stories on this album.
Very nice vocals and good songwriting for a pretty mainstream singer-songwriter/country record. Not my favorite style, but I’d never be upset if it was playing in a room I’m in.
I'm back and pretty into it babyyyyy
Title track is such a good one! Layered, catchy thoughtful album the whole way through.
Lovely album. Will listen to more of her music.
Pretty dece is she from LA
Fantastic album. What a voice
4.5 stars This may be a 5 star album that I’m reluctant to praise so highly because I knew nothing about it before listening to it. But it’s clearly powerful and transcendent. Great songwriting that boosts Lucinda Williams from a name I’m familiar to someone I’m going to continue to explore.
Certainly a 90s vibe to this. The music is solid but you have to really be in the mood for this vibe.
Not what I expected at all, and I ended up really liking it!
I liked this more than I expected. I don't like most "modern country" and so pretty much anything after 1980 is usually not all that interesting for me. She's got a great voice, and these are interesting songs, with good instrumentation. Very traditional overall, with a nice bit of a folk and blues influence tucked in here and there.
Well here's a name I've known forever but never bothered to listen do. Stupid me. I'll be digging into this discography now.
This was a great album. Super well recorded and produced. I enjoyed the songs and it was a great listen. I'll definitely dive into this again.
Rock country like Cheryl Crow
This was very good. I was familiar with the tracks Car Wheels On A Gravel Road and Can't Let Go but the remaining numbers were pretty new to me. Right In Time has been added to my playlist of faves. It's a very well-produced album with fantastic instrumentation and an all-round great Americana country/folk sound.
Very good country rock that occasionally sounds like Jack White. Slightly too long considering a lot of the songs sound very similar. Never properly moves me.
Bardzo przyjemnie brzmienie. Dobra barwa głosu. Nie monotonne nuty.
Yeah. Great drive and energy all the way
The first half of this album was kind of meh, but the latter half was really good. The last 3 tracks were straight fire back-to-back-to-back. 4/5 Highlights: Can't Let Go Still I Long For Your Kiss Joy Jackson
I may check out more of her stuff, fairly bland as far as country music goes. Feels like Lillith Fair fodder (oh just looked it up & she DID play at Lillith Fair in 1998!)
I liked it. An artist I had never heard of but a combination of Sheryl Crow and Linda Ronstadt.
“can’t let go” was goated. also “joy” was pretty good. i wasn’t expecting a lot from this album. but it was surprisingly good. it was like the country equivalent of pop rock! not my usual genre of choice, but still enjoyable. the album cover was really pretty too (though that doesn’t factor into my rating). 4/5!
Really enjoyed despite the marble mouth
Nice
Nothing here quite as good as "Fruits of My Labor." Still, a solid album. I liked the ballads more than the upbeat stuff.
Really enjoyed this one. I thought she did a great job of storytelling with "Can't Let Go" being the obvious standout. Still, I liked the whole thing with its blend of country, blues, and rock complementing the song topics. This kind of thing is not normally in my wheelhouse so this was a bit of a surprise but a welcome one.
Folksy alt-country, twangy Americana, swampy blues. A huge contrast to the bombastic mega-pop country of the era (Twain, Brooks), this is a return to a rootsy style and dark, angry, melancholy themes of Southern abjection. The production is very radio-ready though, the big clean drums setting a propulsive groove that kicks it out of singer-songwriter gear into almost a heartland rock sound. The bright chiming surf guitars on a few tracks are so good! Less a fan of the cajun elements though, the corny accadian accordian sound really takes away from a couple of otherwise great songs. Favorites: Greenville, Metal Firecracker, 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten, Right in Time, Joy
I am incredibly attracted to Lucinda Williams on this album, but I think that's a legitimate reason to rate it highly. She's an immensely seductive MILF country artist. That's all I have to say.
Pretty good alt country / Americana rock. The feel strikes a balance between a homey and traveling album. Almost every song had some brief, memorable melody in it - but overall some tracks are forgettable or could use a bit more variety. There’s something alluring about it though - it’s simple and feels real and unpretentious. It just feels like you’re in a room hanging out with them playing.
fun rootsy album. lucinda has a compelling voice and her songwriting is very evocative. everything here is very nice to listen to. i did enjoy it, however, there wasn't anything here that i was absolutely over the moon for. it's a good album, but didn't really give me anything that made me feel it was a great album.
New to me and I like it.
I quite liked this, I normally find country a bit twee but prefer something like this with grittier and more personal songwriting. This is also a bit bluesy, it works with the subject matter. She has a great voice and although I don't find it groundbreaking, it stands out as an edgier and sexier album than a lot of the country on this list
Passionate vocals, sweet general vibe. Vocally she reminds me so much of Sheryl Crow.
I have always thought Lucinda Williams seemed pretty sweet. Definitely has some very good songs, but might not be fully for me. That being said this album was great and I really enjoyed it, and it's obviously excellent.
Colocaria tranquilamente esse disco para tocar enquanto pego tranquilamente uma estrada ensolarada em direção à praia!
Interesting start on this with (to paraphrase) 'You're good at having sex with me'. The drums on 2 Kool sound eerily similar to the drums on Dani California. I mean the actual drums though, not Chad Smith. (I looked it up and the link here is Rick Rubin) I may just be overthinking this though. Can't get over that song name though. Big fan of it sticking out like a sore thumb in the track list. Kinda loses some steam by the end but that may just be me not being a huge country fan. I liked it though and there's a few songs I added to my rotation I reckon I'll come back to this when I get a country itch. Instrumentally it's interesting, some sick guitars on this, and I'm a much bigger fan of Lucinda's style of singing compared to other country artists. Highlight: Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.
I really enjoyed the album. Though I had a worrying moment midway through the second song were I realised it was country. Made me realise how much I don't focus on music.
Love this shit. That’s all country folk
Damn, never heard of her but I loved this
what can i say ... this couldn't be more in my wheelhouse if it tried. I LOVE lucinda williams and her music means a lot to me even tho shes such a new addition to my life!
Ihan kivaa modernia kantrirokkia. Ei paljon muuta sanottavaa tästä. Parhaat: Right In Time, Lake Charles, Still I Long For Your Kiss
There's something about Lucinda that I really enjoy. 3.5 stars.
Really ended up loving this one. Great storytelling and just chill vibes. Saved a lot of songs to my playlists.
I liked this a lot. Can’t put my finger on which early 2000s singer this reminded me of, but brought me back to that time
Sure! I remember this one fairly well. I have it on CD around here somewhere. Like a lot of albums from around this time, it might benefit from a Side 1 and a Side 2. Maybe the sequencing would be different? Regardless, a very worthy album.
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road Drunken Angel
didn’t listen super closely to lyrics but really, really liked the sound
Nice
It was a real.y good album
Makes Sheryl Crow looks like the generic knockoff.
Well written and played country songs, 3/4 but going with a 4
General impression: pro-level folk-country Detailed review: I wanted to be harsh on this because I’m on a streak of 4s and that’s really boring. But this album is just so professionally and capably made that I can’t help but be charmed by it. The last third is my favorite - “Joy” is a really cool song. And the production and recording quality is just so pristine. Deeper thoughts (context): Lucinda Williams walked so Waxahatchee could run, or something cool sounding Score: 3.9 Number of albums left to review: 944 Number of albums from the list I’d consider “must-listens”: 34 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 23
A pretty good album, I liked Right In Time, Can't Let Go and Metal Firecracker.
I lined it more than I thought I would.
Love me some Lucinda Williams, this album is probably her best. I’m freaking the fuck out right now so nothing else to say.
Right in Time was such an awesome song and set my bar so high. The rest of the album was pretty good, but nowhere near that level. Still enjoyed and will listen again in the future.
10/29/24. Very sweet sounding and nice album! A mix of country, roots, and folk, and Lucinda has a pleasant voice. Haven't heard this one before today, but will definitely revisit.
Good folkish rock type stuff. Sometimes her voice gets a bit too … I don’t know, a bit too something, but for the most part a very solid album. Can’t Let Go has been on a heavy enough rotation on my Spotify for long enough I have to skip it half the time so I don’t get tired of it.
Love the lyrics, love the feel of being down south. The music has a little bit of swamp to it. This is so close to a five star album! Goes on for a little bit too long, the last few songs don’t quite hold up to the first 2/3, and the vocals become a bit repetitive/droning. But I could listen to the first half of this album over and over again-and probably will!
i thought it was pretty good lady folksy rock
Nothing revolutionary but a relaxing fun album to listen to. I would definitely listen to it again and her some more.
Didn’t mind this at all. Added some of these to my driving playlist
What a pleasant album.
Solid 4. Would listen again
I really liked her voice! The songs were relaxing, but they did all feel kind of same-ish.
listened to this album for the first time in the last year, and i still enjoy it more than expected. 3.5
Very much like the use of the African music.
soothing and beautiful country that really is easy to work to - i might have to do this more often.
I wasn't sure at first, but after a very short time I really liked this. Played it all through at least 4 times, back-to-back. Several standout tracks and her voice sounds a lot like Sheryl Crow. Good stuff.
Rock rock! Pidin paljon. Sopivasti etelää. Hyviä biisejä, tehty yksi ajatus kerrallaan (olen alkanut kaivata sitä erityisesti uudemmassa musiikissa, joten tämä rauhoitti tänään). Niin vahva kolme puoli, että uskallan antaa nelosen.
Mitä enemmän kuuntelen tätä, sitä vakuuttuneempi olen, että tämä ei ole pelkkä kolmonen - mikä on epäreilua muita levyjä kohtaan, sillä 2 Kool 2 Be 4-gotten on ollut suosikki siitä lähtien, kun kuulin sen Rhonda Pearlmanin CD-soittimessa. Artistin vireen rajoilla seikkaileva ääni ei lakkaa koskettamasta minua, eivätkä hänen biisinsä lopeta hidasta avautumistaan. Erityistä, väitän.
Once in a while, I have an artist that. Stands outside of my Typical genre norms. I remember this album when I was just out of college. I like that American folk sound mixed with the Cajun Zydeco feel. Listen to Williams gives me similar vibe as listening to some Mary Chapin Carpenter. They both make me a little introspective and, shoot, almost make me wanna dance.
Pre-9/11 country music, my beloved.
Played this a ton when it first came out. Still holds up IMHO.
When this album first came out, I didn’t love it but it has grown on me, as has Lucinda Williams.
In track one of this album, I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy it or if it might tip a little too far into country twanginess. Turns out the answer was both. It leans into country more than a lot of music that I dislike, yet I still really enjoyed it which is quite the rarity. I’m not sure what sets this apart from other music, but the instrumentation just sounded nice to my ears. The vocals were fine, but it was how it all came together which made something quite lovely. I’m happy to say that this album surprised me.
Great album from a relatively obscure artist, I really enjoyed this
4.1 - I thought I was going to like this more but it’s still really great. It’s a very wholesome album and has some really lovely descriptive lyrics. I think sometimes I wanted a bit more and felt it was a bit repetitive in parts
Road trip songs! Yeah! My type of music. Don't have much to say. I'll leave 4 stars.
3.5? Interesting type of country
I dug this. I liked her voice better as it went along. Favorite songs: Concrete and barbed wire “Joy” is super cool Lake charles Still I long for your kiss Drunken Angel
Cool songs I liked this one
My biggest problem with “modern” country is that a lot of it sounds like middle of the road rock songs but with steel guitar and a country twangy voice. Lucinda roots her songs a bit more in older country, at least it seems that way on this album. I think I had a Lucinda Williams album at one time on cassette, perhaps it's time to change that and buy one of her albums. The songs themselves were well-crafted, and there were a number of them that I enjoyed. I could do without songs about angels, but that's not her fault. I mean, it's country and that's usually something that comes up. It's not like she's writing "the South will rise again" or anything. Definitely something I imagine listening to again. perhaps on a nice walk outside. Top songs: "Right In Time," "Car Wheels On A Gravel Road," "Can't Let Go," "Metal Firecracker"
So, #98 on Rolling Stone's 500 best albums...of all time. All time? All genres? Seems a little gracious. But I did enjoy it from the opening plucks of Right in Time. It kind of reminded me of all of the genres of folk, country, alt country, adult contemporary, etc. that were smashing together in the 90's. Like Ryan Adams and Liz Phair (or most of her Lilith Fair compatriots) and Sheryl Crow and Wilco coming together. But still something all her own and not as annoying or eye rolling as Shawn Colvin or Meredith Brooks. The title track, Drunken Angel, Can't Let Go, I Lost It, Greenville, and Jackson were some other faves. I decided about halfway through I was going to let this album play a few times. Pleasantly surprised...and not disappointed on multiple listens.
Lucinda Williams was one of those artists I had never heard of until I moved from the UK to the US, being introduced to this was a revelation. To me Country music was either old people from the 70s or earlier like Johnny Cash or Kris Kristofferson and Tammy Wynette or Loretta Lynn, or mediocre 90s pop crossovers like Faith Hill and LeAnn Rimes, so to encounter the in-between space that Americana genre existed in with artists like Lucinda and Emmylou Harris was an eye opening experience. This album moved me, it's downright filthy in so many ways with songs like "Right In Time" and "I Still Long For Your Kiss" but it's the consecutive punches of "2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten", "Drunken Angel", "Concrete And Barbed Wire" and "Lake Charles" that keep me coming back. You should also listen to her 2005 Live @ the Fillmore album
I liked it
I quite like country, and this folk-like sound, with its rough-and-ready vocals and its personality does hit the spot for me.
Heat
Lucinda is such a good singer. The lyrics are beautiful. Although some country music included in the album i am not particularly a fan of. But i see why they draw comparasion with Bob Dylan.
I would like to hear you singing and playing guitar like this. The album title is nice too! I could certainly imagine us listening to this as we're going on a short road trip. The slower songs are good for starting the day in the kitchen. I'm generally not a fan of country-like music, but I liked this album, it is well put together.
very nice bluegrass ... 4 stars
Я не знаю, ну почему-то мне нравится вот это вот кантри от сильных, независимых, но при этом истерзанных жизнью женщин. Им грустно но они идут вперёд. Они любят, они страдают, они держатся.
Hahaha Lucinda Williams after that stupid The Thrills album!! Oh the ironing is delicious 🤤. Still angry about Irish guys using a fgake southern drawl. Great songwriting delivered with authenticity. The album has a lot of variety, a range of emotion, interesting and fresh subject matter. Really liked these little glimpses of people's lives, Lake Charles was a memorable example. I've never listened to Lucinda WIlliams before because I kind of afraid of country music, but this was great. Haters gonna hate, as they say. I typically oppose the Critically Acclaimed™ stuff, but this deserves the awards.
Drum sound *very* juicy
p826. 1998. 4.5 stars. Sounds like Sheryl Crow's older and arguably more talented sister :) Great voice, great lyrics and songs. Half a point deducted for the occasional lapse into yeehaw.
Album number 1089 of 1089. Three years and done. Not the best album to save for last, but it was a good listen. Standouts: Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, Concrete and Barbed Wire, 3.75
That was good. Catchy and fun country tunes. It gets a bit repetitive, but it’s still fun nonetheless.
I don't like country music, but I am a fan of this subset of the genre - Americana? Folk? Whatever it is - it shaves off the twangy, western vibe and uses country cadences mixed with rock to create a vibe that sits comfortably amongst artists like Bob Dylan or Tom Petty. I love Williams's voice too. It's crisp, effortless, but also melancholy and a little messy. The opening track "Right in Time" hooked me right in. It wasn't until "Concrete and Barbed Wire" that I had to relent a little and back off the otherwise unanimous priase I had for this album. "Can't Let Go" though is phenomenal. I had heard Robert Plant and Alison Krauss sing that song - had no idea it was a cover! It's a great track. I an a new convert to Lucinda Williams and will definitely seek out more of her stuff.
This album is great! I have heard a few of these songs randomly on my local radio station, but did not know where they were from.
Solid
8/10 really nice! very pleasing aesthetic
Had never heard of this artist beforehand and am glad to have heard tis record . A very solid attempt at creating a chill sort of soft rock country infusion album that receives a lot of praise for me.
Great album.
This is so chill and I love it. The title track was slow and yummy and I loved it and 2 kool 2 be 4gotten was pleasing to the ear as well. It then ended well with still I long for your kiss and joy, which were both very different and enjoyable, before leading into Jackson. This is SWAGS before it was cool.
I recognize the voice from somewhere. Would stay for the second show just to be memorized all over again
Überraschend gut. Bin kein Country Fan, aber das geht zum Teil gut rein. 3-4
It's so refreshing to hear an artist write and sing songs that would appeal to Brandon Carlisle, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Emmy Lou Harris etc. Fold comparisons to Dylan and Townes Van Zandt may be a slight stretch, but Lucinda's songwriting and singing is terrific. I live the fact that she's not sounding (or being made to sound) like Taylor Swift!! 4 / 5
Kind of a classic in late '90s Americana - Country/Rock world. Great song lyrics. Twangy country-ish guitar driven instrumentation. Unique voice. Lucinda has been doing this a long time.
This is a pretty excellent album. Im not a country fan but i liked it very much. The slide guitar was a bit annoying here and there, but otherwise solid album. Definitely worth checking it out. Reminded me of Sheryl Crow so much. Whom i also like.
Pretty interesting “Americana” album. Really nice sound, but the singers voice doesn’t hook me. Sort of a Sheryl Crow feel, but rougher. The songs raged from fine to really good. I rather enjoyed it overall, am sure it'll get played again. It fit my mood today so I'll round up to 4.
I really liked it I would definitely listen to it again but I don’t know how often I would go to it.
first listen i like it
Well, at least I know what the words to the chorus are. No idea where I heard this (didn't listen to the radio much/at all in 1998) but... been a while. ...no idea how I recognize just about every song on this. Strong Sheryl Crow vibes, pretty good sound.
Had not listened to this album in a long time - found I liked it a lot more this time. Great diversity of songs and song writing.
This album brought me Joy. Didn’t feel like I was 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten and hidden away behind Concrete and Barbed Wire. Found this Right In Time.
I don't have a lot of thoughts on this albums, but I like this album 4/5
I wouldn't list Lucinda Williams among my favorites, but there's no denying the strength of the material and her authenticity. This is an album that has grown on me over time, and while it's not necessarily one I'll go to, I'm enjoying it more and more as I listen to it over the years.
This album failed to impress me when it originally came out, but today I really got into it. You can taste the dive bar sawdust, smell the oleander on the air, and hear the neighbors chatting away on their front porch. evocative stuff.
That was pretty cool. I didn't love all of the harmonies, but most of it was good. My favourite stretch was from Can't Let Go to Metal Firecracker.
A great album from a solid performer. Hits her stride on this album. One of those performers like John Prine and Steve Earle who are great but never spend enough time listening to them
Always liked everything thing I’ve ever heard by her. She recorded this album when she was 45. Living made this a good album.
I haven't been listening terribly closely, but I've been enjoying this way more than I expected from the opening twang. This has a peaceful easiness about it that just feels really nice. Production is lush and her vocals are effortless. Lake Charles it the one that so far has commanded my attention. Just pretty song writing; also the inclusion of tasteful accordion will always peak my interest. This album feels like a familiar indie country spirit to something like Phoebe Bridgers or something. Admittedly not my most careful listen, but I really enjoyed this album. It felt like a warm and dusty hug from start to finish. Beautiful production throughout and strong storytelling in what I did listen to. I think I have a soft spot for folk country. Solid 4 / 5 imo.
Really enjoy Lucinda! This is her best album.
It's ok
Why do I like this so much? She sounds like a blend of Sheryl Crow and Courtney Love. Some of the vocals feel forced and there is a crap ton of bajos and harmonicas in this back country soundtrack. And I think I like it. I normally don't. Great story telling and pace for a cozy drive or evening in by the fire, or swattin squitos on the porch.
beautiful album, while it's not going to blow you away, it's filled with charm and longing. the singing talent is average but it works extremely well for this genre. some songs are a little too slow but overall very enjoyable
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road is Lucinda Williams' most successful album, featuring "Can't Let Go," which may be Williams' most famous song. Her music is difficult to classify; she combines rock, folk, blues, and country. The album won a Grammy as the year's best folk album, but these songs do not sound like most music in the folk genre. "Can't let Go" earned Williams a Grammy nomination for best female rock vocal performance. Rolling Stone called the album "alternate country;" others called it "Americana." Whatever genre it is, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road is a rich collection of songs that showcase William's skill as a songwriter and her expressive voice. This collection of songs are of an impressive range, demonstrating the wide range of influences and genres she weaves together in her beautiful work.
After 600+ songs my scale is so broken... this is probably a 4.
Well made, and quite enjoyable. After listening a few times it grows on you. You will find yourself humming songs from the album.
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Right in time, Joy
Very good
Good album. I know most people like Lucinda when she's sing about heartache, longing and melancholia and usually I do too. But I really liked the rockers on the album. I read some of the review and one stated that Joy was stupid, I completely disagree. Love the song.
Americana, and the crossroads of Blues, Country, and Rock.
Love her singing style and lyrics. Although some of the presentation has a country style to it, it works with the feel of the world the songs come from. I love the opening guitar bit on the song Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. It is a beautiful musical phrase. Like many albums on this list, it doesn't fit into a single genre but simply uses various styles like an artist uses colors when painting. I think Lucinda Williams could deliver a Lou Reed song and it would become more definitive than Lou Reed's version.
4/5
Some good old country
Beautiful songwriting and production. I feel like I'm sitting by her on a front porch overlooking a river and she tells me her life story. A new favorite.
A solid roots-country album with a lot of blues thrown in. It's well performed, in the fact that it has the right balance of tight and loose, if that makes sense. Nothing Earth-shattering to me, but solid. Favorite tracks: "Joy", "Drunken Angel", "Can't Let Go"
Beautiful from the heart.
I've liked this Lucinda Williams album since it came out. I was getting really into alt. country like Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Old 97's, and others at the time "Car Wheels On a Gravel Road" came out, and it fit right into all of those. It also felt like a re-invention for Williams.
Chill country
El country mai va sonar més accessible i preciosista que en l'obra mestra de Lucinda Williams, un dels treballs que avancen a mitjans/finals dels 90 la febre del alt. country que s'esdevindria pocs anys després. Un must de la década
Never knew of this artist, but this album is pretty decent blend of alternative music i love and country music i never even liked. Here it blends really well
Nice folky country
A great Americana album. Lucinda Williams' vocals are certainly distinct and not for everyone, but I dig it. She seems cool AF. Someone else compared her to the singer from Eels, agree 100%. Great songwriting throughout. Can get a little boring/repetitive, but that's an Americana thing more than a LW thing. 4 - Will definitely listen again
Songwriting masterclass.
Solid country album, should put it in the car
This album grew on me. At first, I found it a bit underwhelming. Almost like, why is this even on the list? It's inoffensive, sure, but I'm just bored. By the end, I was enjoying it more. For some reason the first three tracks didn't really hit me. Still a solid album overall.
The broad category of "country" (I know: categories, groupings, labels...I'm not a fan of these; I'm talking more about the features of the music we tend to label as "country" -- not great, but I digress) is not usually my go-to for listening enjoyment, but when it's like this album, it's great. Really, it's Lucinda Williams who is fantastic. And I readily admit I might be mistaken when I call this country. Is it folksy-rock? Alt-country? I really don't know. I did enjoy listening to this album and most of what I've heard by her I also like. (For example, I absolutely love her song, "Righteously".) She's superb, and this album is very much worth a listen.
Given the history of country albums in this list I was slowly losing faith in the genre altogether. Of course, all I longed for was for Lucinda Williams to appear to make it all okay. Thank you country. Thank you Lucinda Williams.
a la segunda escuchada pegó.
Great mix of Americana, Country, and Blues giving space to each to shine. Several tracks reminded me of Big Thief Highlights: Right in Time Car Wheels On A Gravel Road Lake Charles Can't Let Go Joy
This album is best described as alt-country but that doesn’t quite cover it. The music shows influence from 90s alternative and feminist rock alongside the more traditional country influences. Lucinda Williams’ lyrics focus largely on love but remain firmly grounded as exemplified by the closing track. Though the album is subdued, there is a lot going on that deserves close attention. It’s not as simplistic as it might initially seem.
Funny to have another country album right in a row, but with such a stark difference in quality. THIS is the country I can fw. Her voice is fantastic and the lyrics touch on some familiar country cliches, but in a way that isn't cheesy and grating.
Good Americana
I enjoyed it a lot
This is a beautiful album from the title track Car Wheels on a Gravel Road to the excellent 2 Kool 2 B Forgotten and the Louisiana soliloquy of Lake Charles. I actually first encountered and fell in love with this Williams album while living in Louisiana and it slides right in there under most circumstances. Just really pleasant.
Life says that everyone, at one time or another, will have to do something they don't want to do. For me it was growing up and getting in line. Figure out how to pay bills. No more of this 'build it as you go' flibbertigibbet crap. I had moved out, 3,000 miles from my family after high school to do something I loved, only I learned that I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. It was a hard pill to swallow, but people were nice, still it was hard for me to find my path. This album played constantly in the background in places that I didn't want to be. Looking back on those days and listening to this again, I realize I'd give anything to be back there. Reflection and this album with Lucinda's steady voice that makes me understand how simple, easygoing and enjoyable life was in the 90s. Glad to have had to listen to this again.
I greatly preferred the more bluegrassy songs on "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road." The more country-tinged songs were not my thing. But the bluegrass was strong enough to earn the 4th star.
Her voice sounds like she swallowed some of that gravel road and I love it. Can't Let Go is a personal fav.
This is really a 3.5. Never really listened to her before, but I would totally listen to this again and Can’t Let Go is a 👌 track. But she loses half a star because I have a general preference for listening to singers I could not potentially sound better than, and I’m afraid she veers into the Sheryl Crow category there.
Pretty great album, love Williams singing and songwriting on this record.
At first I thought this was going to be another inoffensive album that was going to go in one ear and out the other for me but about 5 songs in I was really engaged and fully enjoying it. It's a fun singer-songwriter album that doesn't get super slow or wistful (for the most part) and instead delivers a lot of neat 90s country/rock sounds especially on tracks like joy and drunken angel. I spaced out during some of the tracks so I might relisten to some of those but the first listen was still super positive regardless. I listened again and everything was on par with a 4 but nothing that elevated the album beyond first impressions.
I'm having a great time with all this mum rock tbh. didn't think I'd love it so much
This was a cheap CD purchase, and last time I listened I was unconvinced. So one result of listening again might of been to rip and remove. Instead its back on the shelves. The first side of this album is pretty well pitch perfect: a sweet spot between Springsteen, Nanci Griffiths and Gillian Welch. The kind of country rock I can absolutely get behind. Roy Bittan from the E St Band helped produce so no surprise at times it has the boss vibes, and the title track is one that the man himself would wish he had written. The second half can't quite sustain the stellar quality of the first, and there's a track too many, so four stars.
This album has no idea what it wants to be. Is it country? Sure. Is it rock? Also, sure. It swings back and forth between the two so hard that, at times, it felt like I was listening to two different albums. That said, Lucinda's songwriting is stellar. A bit dated with the repetitive one-liner choruses that were so in vogue in the late 90s but still really solid songwriting. In fact, once I stopped paying attention to the music (and getting annoyed by it) and started listening to the lyrics, I started to appreciate and even enjoy this one. So much so that I revised the score from 2 to a really solid 4-stars.
nice album, not the kind of music that usually does it for my but easy to listen to (mostly) and fun. I think it loses it's way a little near the end, "Joy" being appalling noise which I barely managed to listen to all the way through
A long time since I last heard this album - it's still great!
The obvious heir apparent of Emmylou Harris, who appears on this album. She's got a Willie Nelson quality to her as well, even more so if Willie drank whiskey as much as he smokes weed. This is Lucinda's most praised album but I ride hard for a few others. She somehow doesn't get the universal hosannas that someone with her talent deserves. That might have something to do with the fact that her output isn't as prolific as most artists in country music. Give Lucinda Williams credit for instead only releasing music when it's good and ready, when she knows it's exceptional.
Lucinda Williams sings with real emotion. The music is folksy-blues, with a Cajun bite.
4.25
Group listened in the car to Cantabria. Very nice
This is very good but not emmylou
I don’t have much to say about this album other than that I thoroughly enjoyed almost all of it. A solid country rock album with just enough yeehaw in it to have a good time throughout. Personal favorite tracks are “Right In Time”, “I Lost It”, and “Metal Firecracker”.
I enjoyed this one way more than I thought I would. The beginning of “car wheels..” reminded me a bit of “Dani California” by the rhcp. I would listen to more of her albums.
Right in my wheelhouse this. Lovely songwriting, beautiful delivery. 4/5
Excellent album, 5 stars in my memory, but now listening to it again after quite some years, I felt underwhelmed by several songs. The album also suffers from the fact that Lucinda Williams' best songs can be found on her previous albums. But still an excellent album of course.
It's a great album - I've loved it since I first heard it years ago, even though this sort of Americana is not usually to my taste. I think she has an intriguing voice, writes catchy tunes, and writes with a direct, original style.
Beautiful heartfelt country record that overstays it's welcome just a bit too much. Side A is in my opinion the stronger side, while side B drags on a bit. Still very enjoyable and a great listen! Favorite lyrics: - The telephone poles, trees, and wires fly on by. - Some kind of savior singin' the blues. A derelict in your duct tape shoes. - Did an angel whisper in your ear? And hold you close, and take away your fear? In those long, last moments. - I got a big chain around my neck. And I'm broken down like a train wreck. Favorite tracks: - Right In Time - Car Wheels On A Gravel Road - 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten - Drunken Angel - Lake Charles - Can't Let Go 7,5 out of 10
Ooh love it. Can't let gos great
Good run of albums here
Pretty freakin cool we got to see her perform at Red Rocks #humblebrag
I like the country sound and some of them are very well written. It’s a melancholic sound with soft pop in it.
Nice mellow country album with just the right amount of grit.
Hadn't heard of her but quite enjoyed listening to this
Felt abit of blues, country and some folk. Overall good variety solid album.
Objectively, this is a really good album. She influenced and outlasted artists like Sheryl Crow and KT Tunstall. Good voice, great story-telling. Good shit.
Didn't think I was all that keen on country, but this album was pretty rocking. Full of feeling but with enough power to feel a bit feisty. Lovely stuff
Finally, some Country I enjoy. Great stuff!
I liked it, solid background. Nothing stood out but it was a good listen overall.
I really like Folk music and Americana so this album is right up my alley. Great songwriting and imagery of life in America.
Perfect Sunday soundtrack that just rolls through the heart. Even though I now barely drink and haven't touch a cigarette in over a decade, for me this album envokes the sweet haze of a mild hangover, more sleep deprived than feeling ill, your body infused with the scent of stale cigarettes as you chainsmoke lying in the afternoon sun
Soothing music, great for calm late nights
A great combo of traditional country with all it's southern rural hurtin' themes and a modern, rocky, but not overproduced sound. Her voice seems weak and flawed at times but that adds to her vulnerability. I especially like it on Drunken Angel and believe that there may be a few alt country singers influenced by that sound, based on what Spotify sends me. One more listen might get a 5 from me.
Earthy, languid, bittersweet and sexy. Effortless, bluesy sound that probably launched a hundred alt-country bands, all inferior. This is such a perfect listen for a late summer afternoon. Fave Songs: I Lost It, Metal Firecracker, Right in Time, Can't Let Go, Drunken Angel, Still I Long for Your Kiss, Joy
Loving this. Been on a mission to seek out more female rock/country artists, and Lucinda just shot to the top of my list. After a quick Google seems like she's doing some shows with Waxahatchee, which makes perfect sense to be now. Incredible voice, great musicality, perfect for listing to on these hot summer evenings. I'm not a massive country fan, but there's more than enough bluesy toe-tapping, head-nodding, guitar-sliding goodness here to get me on board
Envie de hit the road
nostalgic
This was a new name for me, but I know I have heard Lucinda Williams' music before, playing on our public radio station's morning show. This album definitely painted lovely pictures of the South, and I enjoyed the ride. The title itself evokes such memories and stirs up emotions as it repeats through the title song.
Good solid bluesy country folk, reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Alison Krauss. Very nice.
I haven't listened to Lucinda Williams that I recall. But I have heard the songs she has written. She has an authentic feel that is appealing. I feel like I just walked into a dive bar where someone better than the joint is performing. Not my favorite country album, but still pretty darn good.
4 of 5. Great voice
Another classic!
A favorite
I love Folk Rock so Americana and some Alt Country is fully in my lane. And knowing that she toured with Jason Isbell just makes me like her and this album more. "Right In Time" and the titular track were two of my favorites. I certainly attach more to the Americana aspects, but it is good Country music too. A very re-listenable album for sure!
As a country album, it's an equivalent of a white bread. And... I liked it. Being a perfectionist, Williams reportedly released this album six yees after her previous one. While conflicts does contribute to this delay, I can still observe the sanitized feel of the album. I love her voice. It's soothing and when used well, it carries emotion like it's a wave. But even that is generic. Not even the admittedly nice interaction with the male backing vocals made it a unique voice. The instrumentals are pretty good. Everything is in the right place, but ultimately, it becomes a bit predictable, and therefore uninteresting. The production is neat, but again, generic. The critics were praising her songwriting skills. Judging by the tracks' titles, it might be interesting but I don't want to explore it further. Again, this is like white bread. That mass produced, generic commodity that one can find in the local store. Her perfectionism might have made her album overtidy and uninteresting, but I've got to admit that she still did a great job crafting its overall sound. I unashamedly enjoyed this white bread, and I don't mind consuming it again... after a while.
Very sheryl-crowly...
reminds of my sheryl crow
surprisingly good. Also, she must be friends with Sheryl Crow
Pretty dang good roots country. Consistent from front to back 👍
Love the album cover for some reason... And hey, it's pretty good roots, blues, souly country AND western. Generous 4/5
A few years ago I was listening to spotify similar to playlists and songs from this album were on that list. Prior to this I was never really into any form of country music, but I enjoyed the songs and decided to listen to this album in full. It completely worked for me and introduce me to the genre. Lucinda Williams has led me to other country acts and it's a genre that has some really great music if you avoid the mediocre radio pushed country. 4.5/5
Great surprise. I really liked it. The melodies are great. More a rock and pop album than a country album.
Uh, 2 CD-a. Iznenađujuće dobar đir. Možda bi bilo malo dosadno da san slušala i ne radila ništa, a ne da san radila još dosadniji labos. Greenwill mi je najbolja. Nikad čula za Lucindu, al bolje nego većina ostalih country koje san slušala do sad
I really liked this album, and would never have found it if not for this website.
Okay I might like some country
Хорошее такое кантри, захотелось в село, пить из соломинки самогон)
Somber morning Americana with some excellent twang to it embellished by guest vocals.
Lo escuché muy a gusto, pensé que es una antecedente de Taylor Swift (???) y su voz me agrada bastante. Canciones fav: la que da título al disco, "Can't Let Go" y "I Lost It". 8/10
Lucinda Williams has made a great country album from a singer songwriter point. The songs are solid and the production is spot on.
More of Jess bag than Ian. But her voice conveys pain and longing. Certainly a lot of depth and attests to a life lived.
4.0 - Enjoyed this! Honest American songwriting, blues and country inflected. Straightforward instrumentation with a live studio recording feel. Some pleasant storytelling, shoutouts to Louisiana. Nice driving record and a crowd pleaser.
Really solid Southern roots rock/country featuring Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle. What else could you want? I enjoyed reading about how Lucinda persevered and made it in the music business despite all of the forces working against her. Best track: Drunken Angel
Never heard of Lucinda Williams before, but loved this album. Favorite song was can’t let go.
wow, I was familiar with her, but I didn't know Lucinda Williams had an album this good
I thought i would know what this would sound like being a hater of country music, but it was more like a rock album and absolutely loved it. Song 7 was the highlight - Can't Let Go. Will give it another listen 4 stars
Noch nie gehört, aber werde mich damit beschäftigen. Tolles Album!
nie znałam zupełnie przyjemne, choć monotonne
Sehr guter moderner country
Почему бы и не кантри
Good country music, what else do I have to say?
false
Not the sort of thing I'd normally listen to but really enjoyed this. Will listen again.
I love Lucinda Williams and I love this album... but the song title 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten detracts a star.
great lyrics, great voice!
A nice country folk rock album better than expected
not bad, one of a few country albums I actually enjoy
Love this album and love Lucinda Williams. 4 stars.
Great album all around! I've listened through the regular version, but the deluxe is a nice step up. Disk 2 is all live versions, so I didn't get that far, but I love Lucinda!
Despite this being a country album, quite enjoyed some of the songs, especially the last song, Jackson.
First song is a old indie country bop, and the rest is good country songs if i am in the mood for that relaxing country
interesting voice and tempo, the sound quality is pretty nice and most songs are good
3.5
Har nog inte lyssnat på det albumet på 25 år, jag hade en bränd kopia. Så då tyckte jag onekligen det var rätt bra och det gör jag nog fortfarande. Absolut inget mästerverk, men väl utfört och trevligt. Det blir kanske lite mycket av samma rakt över, samma temperament, samma lunk men det är bra låtar överlag. Nöjer mig där och spikar trean
When you see the cover of this album I immediately thought new country. I wasn't far wrong although it is more rocky than I thought. I don't mind this style and can listen to it nothing new or particularly rousing.
***A good easy listening album
For me, there’s no wow songs on Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, but one thing that album has and some on others albums I’ve listened to since the beginning of the challenge don’t, it’s there’s no bad ones either. It’s an album that was consistent from beginning to end. 3/5. Right in Time: 3,5 Car Wheels on a Gravel Road: 3 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten: 3 Drunken Angel: 3,5 Concrete and Barbed Wire: 3 Lake Charles: 3,5 Can't Let Go: 4 I Lost It: 3.5 Metal Firecracker: 3 Greenville: 3 Still I Long for Your Kiss: 3,5 Joy: 3 Jackson: 3
The top reviews on this album are ADORABLE. "Is this really the best that modern country is capable of?!" Honey. Darling. My love, my angel. This is five trillion times better than "modern country." You would not last five fucking minutes listening to modern country. Modern country celebrates fucking "I'll Name the Dogs," you silly little thing. You think you have power here? I promise you, you don't. You would tap out in twenty seconds, you would BEG for the harmless toothlessness of Lucinda Williams. BEG. I promise. Where I live, country music is very popular, and I've hated it for my entire life, so whenever this site gives me a country album I go "oh god, fuck me I guess, I'll listen to a few tracks and then skip the rest," which I don't do with anything except country and a certain other genre that I won't mention here. I say all of this to say that this is a dangerously listenable album. It's not strictly country, which is why, I suppose. The vocals are pretty good and aren't the typical dogshit country warbling you hear most of the time with these. Though with country music, I "prefer" female vocalists generally speaking, as much as I'd be choosing between rat poison and regular poison. Anyway, this is a fine album. I'm never going to listen to it again, probably, but this listen's fine. I'm being the nicest I'll ever be and giving it a 3 for being country album good enough for me to not immediately want to rip my ears off.
I appreciate the album. I have friends who adore her and am happy to hear what they hear.
3.4, really nice albulm cover, not the biggest fan of country
Favorite tracks: Car Wheels On A Gravel Road, I Lost It, Jackson
I gather Lucinda William had been going since the end of the seventies. If this 1998 album represents her commercial zenith, it is probably because it sounds faintly like alternative rock and alternative rock was starting to grow faint by then. Too established to be cool, but just cool enough to be worth stealing from. It sounds alright. Pleasant songs, pleasant singing. More Lilith Fair than Liz Phair. McGreevy-core (or am I thinking of Dar Williams.) 2.5 This was very pleasant. Steady, tidy songwriting. A classy band, although if there is a spark here that could set your enthusiasm on fire for this album it could only be Lucinda’s voice and style of delivery. It didn’t quite happen for me but perhaps a few more listens would do it. There is everything to enjoy here and very little to engage with I reckon. The only specific thought I recall having was while listening to Metal Firecracker - it was that this is something like what Neil Young could have done if he was any good. 2.5/5
#108 This is one of those albums that regularly shows up in my recommendations, and would appear to be one I'd enjoy. It's perfectly listenable, but it is kinda dull and takes no risks. I was already familiar with the title track and I Lost It, and it turns out the rest of the album is just more of the same. Highlights: Lake Charles, Metal Firecracker
Fine enough alt country rock album. Easy to listen to, if not terribly interesting for stretches. Starts strong, but loses steam fairly quickly. Perfectly whelming. Top tracks: Right in Time, 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten, Can't Let Go
Thankfully not twangy country, so I ended up not hating it. Even so, it went on a bit too long
great album, cool country music
#148 Average track rating: 2.1 | FT: Can't Let Go | LFT: Concrete and Barbed Wire I had never heard of Lucinda Williams until this album cropped up! I like that it's clean production allows for the grit of her voice and song writing to shine. I *loved* "Can't Let Go". I rated 3 songs of 13 above a 2.5/5 - all three of which I really enjoyed - but the rest simply did not connect with me. I will say that I am a big fan, though, of how country music leans towards telling a story and I feel that this album achieves this brilliantly. I can imagine this hits harder when you are from America. Alas, I am not and this just didn't impact me much. Well made album but not my thing, however it will still get a 3 to 3.5 from me purely because, as a whole, this album works really well. ಄ Albums remaining: 941 ಄ Albums I agree with being on the list: 65 ಄ Albums I would consider for my list: 30 ಄ Albums I would not include on my list: 118
very 90s
I had to listen more than once. It grew on me. 3
Not really into country music, but this was okay. The last few songs were really good. Favourite Track(s): Jackson, Joy Least Favourite Track(s): Right in Time
Great rough voice. The country sound is less my thing but nice storytelling.
3.25 Not my genre, but impressive for 1998. B-side is where it shines. Favorite tracks: 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten, Can't Let Go, Joy, Jackson Joy bumped it from 2 to 3 quickly.
Decent. But only decent.
Um álbum mid bem executado. Agora, estar na lista de 1001 álbuns para escutar antes de morrer? Não sei se concordo, mas tudo certo.
Over produced and a bit samey but that's country for ya. It's fairly pleasant and there are enough interesting touches and catchy rhythms that I can't knock it too bad.
1058 - "Here's your juice box and orange slice. Thanks for coming."
Never heard before. I've had a copy of World Without Tears for years and although I really like it I've never got round to hearing anything else she's done. So now I have. I liked it... probably not as much as WWT but that might just be because I'm not as familiar with the tracks. I'm definitely going to give it another listen at some point. 3 stars feels a bit mean... it's probably 3 and a half...but I suspect it's an album that needs a few listens to sink in and become a classic. Favourite tracks. Lake Charles and Greenville
This is a real nice time. Really mellow and easy-listening, but musically accomplished as well. It's slightly melancholic, with some nice minor keys. There's shades of Sheryl Crow here. I really like her voice, she sings well and it's authentic. I have no idea what the criticisms are there. If she were laying down power vocals on top of this, or even softly sweet country vocals it'd be awful. 3.5 rounded down.
Great songs but every time I'd start really enjoying the album, I'd get thrown off by her singing a note flat. I can't tell if it's a deliberate singing style, but I hate it.
#230 I rather enjoyed parts of this one, other parts were okay. I haven't listened to much Lucinda. At points she reminded me of Sheryl Crow, and just overall had an Americana type sound through it all. Some of this would not feel out of place in the sessions for Tom Petty's Wildflowers era songs. Biggest Hit - Can't Let Go Biggest Miss - Concrete And Barbed Wire Hidden Gem - I Lost It
It's not bad but two songs too long
Not a bad little record. Pretty fun and energetic country album. Some bluesy stuff and some rock type stuff. A little low ans slow singer songwriter stuff. Its good but im not blown away. Thats my main thing. Its good but not that amazing. I had a good time but I didnt really save anything or really have any reason to come back. Good enough for the runtime. But im probably not giving it any more time. Not bad though. Enjoyable for sure
Enjoyed that, Can't Let Go is great (3.5)
Oh Lucinda. If someone can live in the nostalgic delivery of your voice… sign me up - in all songs but “Joy”
Enjoyed this for a while but it tailed off a little. Just about scrapes a 3
3/6
сука пожалуйста хватит давать мне кантри
A fine production. They are trying some stuff with a song like Joy that doesn't always work. Not much to complain about. Not for me personally, but I could see myself recommending it to someone that is into a more new country vibe.
3/5
Okay, but kinda dated, a little long, and SUPER generic.
no es mi tipo por ahora
Some really good songs but over all it was a 3.
This was my first time probably listening to any significant amount of Lucinda Williams. It's not really necessarily for me but after a series of particularly terrible quality recordings on this list I was really refreshed by the simpler straightforward production. I liked how dry the vocals were mixed and I think this would be almost a reference for how to record this kind of music.
Very Sheryl Crow-like.
As Country goes, this was rather tolerable.
That accent is ... uhhh... something. Who the hell is "Barb Dwyer"? Hmmm "Can't Let Go" sounds familiar. My childhood best friend's parents listened to country exclusively so I have to assume I heard it in their car at some point. That's the extent of my exposure to modern country - whatever was playing on my friend's parents' radio. This might be good for all I know - but I don't know country (or care too much to) so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Anyway, not awful but not something I want to listen to again.
it was all right
This was a really solid country album with some interesting rock influence. I think the songs here are really high quality, and it took a while, but I did decide I like Lucinda Williams' unique voice. I don't have a ton to say unfortunately, but I liked what was here, and I'm reasonably glad I heard this.
It’s like if you took Sheryl Crow but made her fully country and removed the adult contemporary vibes and humor from her. Hardly terrible, but not exactly good- it’s a cry in your beer country album that I’m sure resonated with many in the lateteen nineties, celebrating and bemoaning the country life: alcoholics, jail, slow life, tender love, and pastoral scapes. ⭐️⭐️.5
Nice. Inoffensive.
Not the typical "pop" style country that dominated the era, it's a bit more roots and has a more rock sound. Her vocal style isn't always the most pleasing, like in 2 Kool. It sounds like she is trying to hard to sound country sometimes. I could see if you are a country music fan this would be a good record and I like it more than the standard modern country pop. I don't feel like this is something I will ever play again, not a must hear for me.
its country time. guess i will finally have another of my 1/5. gladly its more pop/rock than country but it still bores me. 3/5.
Bit lame
This is a really good country record that's tinged with alternative, modern music. The songs are well-crafted and played very well. I was surprised at how impressed I was with this record, particularly the song "Greenville", a banger featuring Emmylou Harris on the harmony vocal.
This was ok.
Jamais écouté avant. Top : Can't Let Go Flop : Joy
Album #215 Lucinda Williams: Car Wheels On A Gravel Road I can’t lie when I say this album showed up; I felt a bit of dread, expecting a dull pop-country affair, but instead I was pleasantly surprised when the album actually had a lot more grit to it than I expected. Alt-country with more focus on country than alt, which is probably a put-off for a lot of people who claim to like alt-country, but what they actually like is alt rock with a twang; Lucinda Williams has far more in common with Johnny Cash than the Silver Jews. There is an interesting blend of contemporary sounds with classic blues and country, and each song relies on deeply personal lyrics and storytelling. Definitely an enjoyable listen, and one that I could see improved upon by either taking a long road trip through barren roads or crying over a bottle of wine in your kitchen. Unfortunately, I was doing neither, so my enjoyment was limited. Best Songs: Drunken Angel, Car Wheels On A Gravel Road, Right In Time Worst Song: Joy Score out of 10: 7
Waaaay too folk for me. Not bad, just interesting. 2.8 The repetitive lyrics also started getting to me.