Album Review: Blessed - Lucinda Williams

While Alison Krauss occupies the sweetheart end of the country music spectrum, Lucinda Williams is unashamedly positioned at the rockier heart-on-your-sleeve end. Her world-weary vocal approach, matched with a band brimming with empathy, makes her new album Blessed a must-have.
On Blessed, Williams delivers it all. Sharp and emotional lyrics delivered passionately in that unique gritty voice, and backed by simply the hottest band. Drummer Butch Norton, bassist David Sutton, Val McCallum on sizzling slide and National Steel guitars, Greg Leisz's awesome pedal steel, and the amazing Rami Jaffee on a swirling Hammond, piano, accordion and Casiotone.
Hard to pick favourites on Blessed, but mention must be made of the title track, along with Convince Me, I Don't Know How You're Livin', Buttercup, and the poignant anti-war Soldier's Song. Blessed is top-shelf country rock. Enjoy.
5/5