Sweet Old World

I was inspired to write this review after reading some of the others. "Sweet Old World" is actually my favorite Lucinda Williams album (although they are all favorites in their own way). I would say it is more bluesy than folksy. I find the album's meditations on suicide very poignant and deeply felt, unlike the listener from New York who wrote the weirdly bitter review below. My family has a history of clinical depression, and my sister committed suicide a few years ago. The title song, "Sweet Old World," expresses everything I wish I could have said to her--especially the line "Didn't you think that you were worth anything?" which always makes me cry. If you love exquisite songwriting and singing, and you don't mind being emotionally touched by what you hear, buy this album.

While the critics were going goo-goo ga-ga over "Car Wheels On A Gravel Road," and desevedly so, it was hard not to notice that this overlooked album is a much better listen in the long run. Not as obvious as Car Wheels, it sort of sneaks up on you like a slow burning fuse and finally explodes with emotion and Lucinda's somewhat understated delivery of a fabulous bunch of songs. Songs like "Sweet Old World" and "Little Angel Little Brother" just don't come arou d every day, and the entire album is up to that standard. Is it country? Sure, but you need not be a country fan to enjoy it. Is it folk? Absolutely. Rock and Roll? Without a doubt. But mostly, it's blues, although not in the traditional sense. It just gives you that same feeling you get after listening to some great blues tunes, yet with a stronger sense of melody. If you like any of Lucinda's work, or are looking for a good introduction, you can't go wrong with this totally underrated release.

This was my first Lucinda Williams CD and my favorite in many ways. Ten years ago it seemed as consistent as her first album, and I admit on re-listening today that it isn't. The instrumentation has become dated, and between that and the New And Improved production on her later releases, I can see how others may have skipped this one or may want to. It would be a loss, though, not to have this CD that speaks so poignantly to loss.

If I had to pick a single favorite Lucinda Williams song, the title track would be tempting. This song about suicide is her masterpiece, and you're not human if you aren't moved by it. It takes a poet to succeed with such a song. "Something About What Happens When We Talk" was the first of her songs I ever heard and remains a particular favorite. On hearing it I began my arguments with myself over whether her simple lyrics were trite or minimalistic. I eventually decided on the latter, and this song is so very intelligent and evocative, like so...Read more