Editorial Review
Though the arrangements stray from Lucinda Williams's motherlode blend of blues, country, and folk, West may well be her best album. It is easily her most musically adventurous, and often her most lyrically inspired. Williams's singing has never sounded better, from the aching tenderness of "Where Is My Love?" to the ravaged catharsis of "Unsuffer Me." New York producer Hal Willner, who has worked with artists such as Marianne Faithful and Lou Reed, enlists the support of eclectic progressives like guitarist Bill Frisell, keyboardist Bob Burger, and violinist Jenny Scheinman, along with harmonies from the Jayhawks' Gary Louris, to weave a subtly rich sonic tapestry. Much of the material was inspired by the death of Williams's beloved mother ("Mama You Sweet," "Fancy Funeral") and the bitter breakup of a relationship (the jagged-edged emasculation of "Come On," the repetitive incantation of "Wrap My Head Around That"), though "Are You Alright?," "Learning How to Live," and "Everything Has Changed" could reflect the aftermath of both. Other highlights include "Rescue," with a languid subtlety and ambient pulse reminiscent of Beth Orton, and the dreamy, wistful title track. Where Williams's music has long cut close to the bone, the best of
West slices right through it.
--Don McLeese Lucinda Wiliams Photos
More Lucinda Williams
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road | 
World Without Tears | 
Essence |
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Customer Reviews
A Fine Disc 
2008-06-01
Another great emotional disc from Lucinda. A must have for Lucinda fans but the heartbreak wears a bit thin.
This is her best since Gravel. 
2008-05-27
There are a couple of songs that don't work for me (Words, Wrap Your Head Around That), but the rest more than make up for it. I especially enjoy "What If", "Mother You Sweet" and the title tune. "Come On" is also good for a laugh. A great, underrated album by a true musical treasure.
Lucinda Williams WEST 2008-05-05
LOved It lOVed it LOved IT! Do have a soft spot for any thing Lucinda Williams does though!
Horrible 
2008-04-12
I have listened to this CD many times trying to find the good in it. I am sorry, but this CD is horrible. Lucinda sounds like she smokes 3 packs a day and the whole CD is her whining. I let my friends listen to the CD to see if it was just me that didn't like it, but they both had the same feeling-what a horrible CD. They suggested I hold a CD burning party and start with this one! I would not recommend this CD in anyway shape or form.
Songs of heartbreak and hope 2008-01-30
I heard the last two and a half songs on this CD on the radio and knew I had to have it. If your heart has been broken or you have lost someone, Lucinda puts it into words for you. (See "Mama You Sweet," "Leaning How to Live," "Everything Has Changed," "Wrap My Head Around That.") Yet, there's light. The final song, "West," is a waltz, a long-distance love song, and a hand of hope stretched out toward the future.
This is the work of a songwriter at her best. Get it.
West but not the best! 2008-01-02
Though the arrangements stray from Lucinda Williams's motherlode blend of blues, country, and folk, West may well be her best album. It is easily her most musically adventurous, and often her most lyrically inspired. Williams's singing has never sounded better, from the aching tenderness of "Where Is My Love?" to the ravaged catharsis of "Unsuffer Me." New York producer Hal Willner, who has worked with artists such as Marianne Faithful and Lou Reed, enlists the support of eclectic progressives like guitarist Bill Frisell, keyboardist Bob Burger, and violinist Jenny Scheinman, along with harmonies from the Jayhawks' Gary Louris, to weave a subtly rich sonic tapestry. Much of the material was inspired by the death of Williams's beloved mother ("Mama You Sweet," "Fancy Funeral") and the bitter breakup of a relationship (the jagged-edged emasculation of "Come On," the repetitive incantation of "Wrap My Head Around That"), though "Are You Alright?," "Learning How to Live," and "Everything Has Changed" could reflect the aftermath of both. Other highlights include "Rescue," with a languid subtlety and ambient pulse reminiscent of Beth Orton, and the dreamy, wistful title track. Where Williams's music has long cut close to the bone, the best of
West slices right through it.
--Don McLeese Lucinda Wiliams Photos
More Lucinda Williams
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road |
World Without Tears |
Essence |
absolutely fabulous 2007-12-09
I was not disappointed by the latest offering from Lucinda Williams. I recieved this on Friday and by sunday have listened to nothing else. Absolutely brilliant, a must have for anyone, as good as car wheels!
Lucinda versus Steve 2007-11-10
Lucinda Williams is the best songwriter alive today, and Steve Earle is second, although it is stupid to compare.
brilliant album 2007-11-01
This is such a great record. It's quiet and calm for a lot of the songs but also hits some angsty notes when it needs to. I love it and I've made several people listen to it already. Anyone who thinks it's boring or depressing is maybe a little too immature to appreciate much of what it says and should stick to Britney Spears until they grab a little more life experience.
Amazing! A real gem of an album 2007-10-28
This is the first album I purchased by Lucinda Williams and I was blown away after the first listen- it is wonderful! The raw, dark, heartfelt lyrics, the musical arrangements and the recording quality all lead me to one conclusion- best album for 2007. Every song is a winner here. I need to get some more Lucinda Williams music now! Wow!
