It’s great to have an album of new material from Lucinda Williams. Apparently, Williams started writing songs and pushed those aside and wrote a new batch to voice her concerns about these times.
Allmusic.com had this to say. “There’s a lot that Williams is upset about on World’s Gone Wrong; more than anything, she sees a world where basic human dignity and fairness have been tossed aside, and those are the themes that dominate these songs. How can being concerned about the divisiveness in our country and the fragility of personal rights be dismissed as “insipid social commentary” as some have stated. We all want the same rights and freedoms – don’t we? Those critics are the ones who say, “shut up and play”, until someone belts out the lyrics supporting their views. Music has always spoken about the human condition, and rock & roll in particular has taken aim with unfairness, social inequality, war and suppression of rights. Listen or don’t listen, your choice.
The songs.
“The World’s Gone Wrong” (featuring Brittney Spencer) Lucinda Williams/Tom Overby/Doug Pettibone 5:07
A great way to start the album, instantly memorable with its E Street Band type swagger.
“Something’s Gotta Give” (featuring Brittney Spencer) Williams/Overby/Pettibone 5:38
Mid-tempo, ringing guitars. Killer guitar solo.
“Low Life” Williams/James Krivchenia/Adrianne Lender/Alexander Meek/Travis Stephens 4:24
Slow, aching and bluesy. Very Neil Young with the harmonica.
“How Much Did You Get for Your Soul” Williams/Overby/Pettibone 4:00
Great rolling vibe, sounds very old school 60’s rock with the Byrds guitar, Paul Revere organ, and female backup singers.
“So Much Trouble in the World” (featuring Mavis Staples) Bob Marley 4:35
Nice reggae mixed with swampy rock. Great vocal work by Williams and Mavis Staples.
“Sing Unburied Sing” Williams/Overby/Pettibone 3:31
Strong melodic rocker with Neil Young like guitar work.
“Black Tears” Williams/Overby/Pettibone
5:39
Slow, bluesy rocker.
“Punchline” Williams/Marc Ford/Overby/Pettibone 5:38
The organ rolls under the chugging, fuzzy guitar, it’s a treatise on a world out of control.
“Freedom Speaks” Williams/Overby/Pettibone 4:04
An anthem to standing up and fighting. Rousing, rocking declaration.
“We’ve Come Too Far to Turn Around” Williams 4:59
A slow, country ballad.
Thoughts…
The songwriting is tight and the production puts the electric guitars right front. The Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and the Pretenders were known for this sharp and ringing guitar sound. It’s superb here.
Williams’ voice is subject to a lot of criticism, sounding worn and ineffective. I must have been listening to a different album. Yes, her voice (at age 73) shows its wear, yet it is perfect for these songs. Williams doesn’t try to over-sing and she doesn’t need to hear, the words do the talking. While some would obviously disagree, the songs never feel preachy.
Williams’ band — Doug Pettibone and Marc Ford on guitars, David Sutton on bass, Rob Burger on keyboards, and Brady Blade on drums. There’s economy in the playing and it makes for an intimate listen. Producers Ray Kennedy and Tom Overby allow the songs to breathe and be heard.
This may not be her best album, but it’s a keeper.
Ticket 2 Ride 
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