Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels On A Gravel Road

Lucinda William has written music for artists like Mary Chapin Carpenter ("Passionate Kisses") and Joy Lynn White ("I Lost It and "I Just Wanted To See You So Bad") but most people aren't aware that she also records her own music. Williams is anything but mainstream. Being one of the leaders in the alternative country movement, you're in for a unique mix of material any time you put one of her albums into your stereo. It all starts with her incredibly unique voice, no one sounds like her. Then you throw in her exceptional songwriting talent and you have an artist with a lot of potential. Potential which for the most part goes unrealized because of radios strict guidelines.

The albums first four tracks are heaven. The single "Right In Time," is a perfect showcase of the rough edge that William's music sports. The title track tells us about a woman's life in a small town. One of the albums best cuts is "2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten," an anthem to the life more than a few live. The album highlight is "Drunken Angel," which is powered along with a driving instrumental and Williams casual vocals. "I Lost It," is a solid tune but Joy Lynn White cut a more impressive version on her The Lucky Few album. Still the song is worth more than a few listens. "Can't Let Go," combines so many different styles that you're not sure what to say about it except you like it. "Metal Firecracker," is an interesting look back on a lost love.

The album slips up a couple of times though. "Joy," is so heavily mixed with vocal effects that you are left wondering what Lucinda was thinking. It doesn't fit in with the feel of the album at all. Not to mention it's the poorest writing found here. "Lake Charles," is just simply a boring cut. It's not a whole lot of fun to listen to.

Car Wheels On A Gravel Road is a nice break from the pop saturated mainstream country market. Williams is a powerful writer and knows how to deliver her songs. This is worth looking into.

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