With
a discography that’s already an arm length’s long, American country singer
Alison Krauss returns with the ten-track LP ‘Windy City’ that mashes up
bluegrass, soul and country into a heady package of strong, relaxing and very
listenable songs, beginning with the simple yet heart-breaking ‘Losing You’,
that sounds like the best Nina Simone country cover you never heard. Well
written and emotionally delivered, with subtle hints of country, this is a
delightfully touching introduction to the album.
Second
song ‘It’s Goodbye and So Long to You’ is a much more upbeat affair, its jaunty
country-jig rhythm and very hooky sing-a-long chorus make this a stand out
track. The title track that follows shifts the tempo back down again for a smooth
country-ballad whilst the darkly titled ‘I Never Cared for You’ is a Mamas and
the Papas sound-a-like with a stripped back vibe that gives way for something a
little more sultry. ‘River in the Rain’ is a more traditional slow song with
plenty of power and heart in Krauss’ delivery of the words.
Into
the second half and we get the Dolly Parton-like ‘Dream of Me’, which is one of
my favourites album, thanks to its well-produced harmonies, touching lyrics and
spot-on delivery. ‘Gentle on my Mind’ is another well-pitched gentle ballad
with story-telling lyrics and feels much older – nay, classic – than you’d
expect. ‘All Alone Am I’, track eight, goes a little Broadway musical with
soaring strings’ whilst country is the order of the day for ‘Poison Love’, another
foot-stomper with a great rhythm.
Final
track ‘You Don’t Know Me’ ties up the album well with a beautiful, slow,
stripped-back closer, shutting the door on a relaxing and evocative album that’s
a must hear. (7.5/10)
No comments:
Post a Comment