Lucero – Women & Work
Album Review by Claudia Boisvert
Fourteen years is quite a long path for a musical career, but not that much when you consider the band is releasing its 8th album this year. Tennessee’s Lucero put out Women & Work earlier this year, a record following the tradition of this well-established country rock band. Between the two and a half year break, Lucero found a way to update a little their sound by adding new musical elements, new instruments. More comfortable with their entity as musicians and members from Memphis, they achieved to break the non-progression wall and still learn in what they are doing.
Starting with “Downtown”, a smooth intro, we’re already being given the tone for the rest of the album: a mix between light ballads and rhythmic country. The debut song soon flows into “On My Way Downtown”, which is catching up “Downtown”’s last notes and takes them to a more energetic level. They wisely chose this song to be their first, using its catchy soundtrack backing up free-minded lyrics. It seems to be saying there ain’t no worrying, ain’t not hurrying, so leave the stress and sadness behind and just enjoy good company. It’s a good thing Lucero wanted to come closer to their home, Tennessee, with this record; because that’s exactly how the South’s philosophy might look like.
“Women & Work”, who gave the album its title, then follow with even more energy than we could find in “On My Way Downtown”. It’s probably due to the add of a joyful piano mixed with trumpet, instruments bringing an electric and swinging sound. Lyrically, it may not be the deepest song from the album, but the next one set things up again. “It May Be Too Late” is somewhere between slow ballads and good old country, a rough man expressing his sweet feelings for his darling, admitting he might have already lost her but still hoping for her return. Quite sweet indeed.
Back with more rhythms, “Juniper” comes up next with its stubborn beat and its wild country rock style. Might be repetitive a little by the end, but the melody eventually softens into “Who You Waiting On”, a ballad you ladies will probably like. The man’s quite charming, and he got some romantic ways to show you’re wasting your time with another one. “I Can’t Stand To Leave You” follows with touching lyrics, speaking of a heart’s wounds. This soul’s pain slowly evolves with “When I Was Young”, a nostalgic but satisfied look back to a past childhood. The last note of this heavier atmosphere is “Sometimes”, even though its country beat is more present.
“Like Lightning” then brings back electric vibes, maybe mixed with some elements of pop and rock. This song is very catchy, especially by the end, and we’re coming back to this lively western sound. We finally hear “Go Easy”, a nice way to end the record on a smooth and slow way without putting away Lucero’s usual energetic sound. Basically, the whole record is well balanced between ballads and classic country rock, making Women & Work a great album to listen to.
Overall rating: 5/5
Website: http://www.luceromusic.com/
