[MUSIC REVIEW] "May your kindness remain" (2018) by Courtney Marie Andrews

I ranted and raved about her debut when it came out, and at the end of the year "Honest Life" stood out as one of the very greatest albums of 2017. I immediately fell for her hypnotic voice and her raw and unfiltered lyrics. Courtney Marie Andrews has sharpened her songwriter knives even more since the impeccable breakthrough, and we get too meet a more mature version of herself.

Formula wise, the sequel "May your kindness remain" may not deviate radically from its predecessor, but still it's hardly a simple repetition. This album sounds fuller, with wider instrumentation and a more polished soundscape. Mark Howard, who has previously produced Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris and Tom Waits among others, has done a great job. But above all, Andrew's lyrical focus has shifted, from pure confessional to a more universal and objective content.

It gives a sad insight into the hardships of ordinary people and their dreams and sorrows, alienation and depression in Midwest America. She paints a landscape where it's far and wide between the houses, Texaco signs and electric lights. A landscape populated by poor people who are stuck in the eternal hamster wheel of menial jobs. Deep blue shades are lightened up by sweet soul and gospel. Already the opening song, which also happens to be the title track, is backed by organ and a gospel choir, which at least for me echoes Van Morrison.

Her warm an powerful voice evokes many greats. Courtney Marie Andrews is a natural heiress to Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell, and "May your kindness remain" was surely one of the top 10 releases of 2018. Stunningly beautiful and poignant.

 @SteemSwede

May Your Kindness Remain

Two Cold Nights in Buffalo

Rough Around The Edges