Americana icon Lucinda Williams always stays close to herself in her songs. Thanks to her unfortunate love life, this often resulted in heartbreaking break up / break down songs, but also tough talk to the next bastard who treated her badly or let her down. For that reason, it is dubiously good news that in her fifties she says she has finally found the right man. And that is celebrated at Little
… Honey. When people cry this time it is out of joy, like in Tears Of Joy. Fortunately, after the misty production of West (2007), she returned to the rougher and more primary sound of World Without Tears (2003). Little Honey thus became the optimistic counterpart of that bitter album. It's full of uptempo country rock, blues, soul and gospel (thanks to the jubilant choral work of Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs). Fragile, in which her creaky, lived-in voice is best expressed, she still sounds in the desperate declaration of love for Rarity, while the swearing at guest singer Elvis Costello (in the role of junkie) is more comical than touching. The closing cover of It's A Long Way To The Top (AC / DC) seems superfluous. But the message of this is clear on the most relaxed and happy record Williams ever made. (MR) But the message of this is clear on the most relaxed and happy record Williams ever made. (MR) But the message of this is clear on the most relaxed and happy record Williams ever made. (MR)more
