Search - Lucinda Williams :: Sweet Old World

Sweet Old World
Lucinda Williams
Sweet Old World
Genres: Country, Alternative Rock, Folk, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1

Granted, Sweet Old World isn't the masterpiece that 1988's Lucinda Williams is. The too-simple explanations of "He Never Got Enough Love" aren't up to Williams's mile-high standards, and the arrangements throughout are...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Lucinda Williams
Title: Sweet Old World
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Chameleon / Wea
Original Release Date: 8/25/1992
Release Date: 8/25/1992
Genres: Country, Alternative Rock, Folk, Pop, Rock
Styles: Americana, Contemporary Folk, Singer-Songwriters, Folk Rock
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 737056135126

Synopsis

Amazon.com essential recording
Granted, Sweet Old World isn't the masterpiece that 1988's Lucinda Williams is. The too-simple explanations of "He Never Got Enough Love" aren't up to Williams's mile-high standards, and the arrangements throughout are often so similar to that previous release's that the melodic differences here aren't as clear as they might've been. But when she raises her vulnerable cry to sing the three, pained perspectives on suicide that are at the heart of this album--the title track, "Little Angel, Little Brother," and "Pineola"--Williams's very humanity provides its own proof that, while this world can indeed be cruel, it can also be oh so sweet. --David Cantwell

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Member CD Reviews

Pam M. from MANCHESTER, CT
Reviewed on 5/27/2011...
Recently I have had several CDs spinning through my player while I'm at work. I received this CD recently and loved it from the very first turn. I have 2 or 3 other LW albums, but this one is so well put together and the songs weave seamlessly together such that when the disc is done you put it on again still wanting more. I can't say that there is a favorite song, I love each one of them. With this album I've finally found my Lucinda Williams vibe and I couldn't be happier.

CD Reviews

The second example of Lucinda Williams perfection.
Matt Coker | Davis, CA, USA | 12/31/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"SWEET OLD WORLD was the second Lucinda Williams album I bought. While the album doesn't rival 1988's LUCINDA WILLIAMS, most artist never release an album that is half this good. There was a shorter wait between records (4 years compared to 8 years before). Lucinda turned down an RCA contract in 1991 so she could have creative control, thank goodness she did. SWEET OLD WORLD is a masterpiece, the songs are more daring, and the performances (vocally and musically) aren't any less spectacular than that on LUCINDA WILLLIAMS. "Six Blocks Away" is exceptional. The song is masterfully arranged, and flawlessly executed. "Something About What Happens When We Talk" is outstanding, with a majestic performance. "He Never Got Enough Love" is ground-breaking, she tells a compelling story that is absolutely flawless. "Sweet Old World" is goregous, as she tells a story about the effects of suicide, and she makes us believe the world isn't so bad after all. "Little Angel, Little Brother" tells an interesting story, in a less straight-forward manner. "Pineola" is excellent. Its almost a cousin to "Changed The Locks" in musical terms. The lyrics describe the effects suicide has on friends and family, with a realistic performance from Lucinda. "Lines Around Your Eyes" is magnifiscent country-rock, should have been a hit single. "Prove My Love" is a goregous love song, told with a tender vocal. "Sidewalks Of The City" is fantastic, as she tells a story about waliking in the city and what you experience. The song has a similar feel to "Side Of The Road", but the lyrics are completely different. "Memphis Pearl" drags things down a bit, but the story in the lyrics is again compelling. "Hot Blood" has a great music feel. The cover version of "Which Will", is brilliant, a tender love song. While SWEET OLD WORLD isn't as exceptional as LUCINDA WILLIAMS or CAR WHEELS ON A GRAVEL ROAD, it is as daring. Fantastic album, the second example of Lucinda Williams perfection."
Poignant and moving
10/26/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was inspired to write this review after reading some of the others. "Sweet Old World" is actually my favorite Lucinda Williams album (although they are all favorites in their own way). I would say it is more bluesy than folksy. I find the album's meditations on suicide very poignant and deeply felt, unlike the listener from New York who wrote the weirdly bitter review below. My family has a history of clinical depression, and my sister committed suicide a few years ago. The title song, "Sweet Old World," expresses everything I wish I could have said to her--especially the line "Didn't you think that you were worth anything?" which always makes me cry. If you love exquisite songwriting and singing, and you don't mind being emotionally touched by what you hear, buy this album."