I waited eagerly for this album and whilst not wholly dissapointed, I don't think it quite knows what it wishes to be.
When she is concentrating solely on the blues and gospel side, it's superb, but I fear some Marketing Exec pushed for some 'pop' tracks to be inserted to make is more viable. This is sad as with the current rebirth of the blues, gospel and traditional music, she could have paved the way. Her voice is strong and clear and fits the bill when it comes to her interpretation of traditional music, bringing it to new, modern heights but without loosing the essence.
The 2 'seller' tracks are undoubtedly Nobody's Fault But Mine' and 'Only One Cloud', the first is a traditional gospel tune arranged by Rowley and the second is written by her and Ben Castle and sounds old and weary and brilliant. Sweet Hours is OK, So Sublime is the pop one which I guess was designed to hit the charts same as Oh My Life. She does a great version of Dylan's I Shall Be Released and Willie Nelson's 'Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground'. And 'Amost Persuaded' is a gem.
That's the thing here, there are gems and there are 'norms' [normal filler tracks], what a great album it could have been if it had decided on one thing or the other. As it is, I am now in debate as to if to keep as a whole or load the gems onto my ipod.
2008-07-24 @ 15:21