Music review: Allison Moorer – 鈥楧own to Believing鈥�
It鈥檚 always an unexpected surprise whenever I run across a new album that instantly blows me away.
I knew that Allison Moorer was the younger sister of country singer Shelby Lynne, but I had never really taken the time to listen to any of her seven previous studio albums.
Moorer鈥檚 latest release made me a believer in the Alabama native immediately after hearing just the first two tracks.
On 鈥淒own to Believing,鈥� the gifted singer-songwriter details the chaotic events going on in her life since her last release five years ago. The result is an engaging confessional work that intensely examines life after a dissolved marriage and the diagnosis of her young son with autism.
Moorer鈥檚 sultry style is a delicate mixture of the country flavorings of Kelly Willis, the fiery exuberance of Maria McKee and the soulful blues of Bonnie Raitt. 鈥淟ike It Used to Be鈥� is the rambunctious opener that embodies the true essence of the 13 absorbing arrangements about love, acceptance, heartache, transition and healing.
The subject of her failed marriage to musician Steve Earle is painfully highlighted on 鈥淭ear Me Apart,鈥� the gripping title track and 鈥淚f I Were Stronger鈥� with Moorer confessing, 鈥淲ish there was something in my heart to give you/But I felt around and nothing鈥檚 left.鈥� She continues to lament lost love by announcing, 鈥淚 wish you would hold me like you hold your cigarette.鈥� Other highlights include an impassioned performance full of guilt and angst featured on 鈥淢ama Let the Wolf In鈥漚nd a refreshed cover of John Fogerty鈥檚 鈥淗ave You Ever Seen the Rain.鈥�
Moorer鈥檚 Southern accent innocently captures her moments of vulnerability and perseverance on 鈥淚鈥檓 Doing Fine鈥� and 鈥淕onna Get It Wrong.鈥� 鈥淟ife鈥檚 too long to wake up every day without someone that likes all your scratches and scars,鈥� gently declares Moorer.
Although she鈥檚 been emotionally scratched and scarred, Moorer comes out stronger and steadfast through this focused, fervent collection of personal experiences.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at crhodes@heraldstandard.com.