Artist: Lucinda Williams

Title: Blessed

Label: Lost Highway

Clearly at a point in her career where she no longer has to prove herself, hence allowing her to do, well, whatever she likes creatively, singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams has taken bold steps into decidedly different musical territory on Blessed. And for the record, the risks definitely pay off.

In fact, Williams' voice, not to mention the stunning accompaniment that features everyone from Elvis Costello to Matthew Sweet, has probably never sounded more confident, affecting and polished.

But before anyone assumes that "polished" is simply code for sanitized and watered-down, it's not. Williams still has plenty of grit and passion in her trademark fiery vocals, whether she's serving up the sassy kiss-off to a unsuitable fella in opening track "Buttercup" or singing with that soulful ache in her voice on the bluesy "Born to be Loved."

As the album progresses, however, it's clear that Williams has more on her mind than modern relationship dynamics. With songs like "Seeing Black," an honest account of what may—or may not have—motivated a friend's suicide, "Soldier's Song," a bittersweet love letter to the families torn apart by war and the soul-searching strains of the title track, she's delving into far weightier lyrical territory.

Unlike most of what plays on Top-40 pop radio, it's impossible to listen to Williams' music without your heart and brain playing an active role. While some songs like the gorgeous strains of "Kiss Like Your Kiss" and "Sweet Love" will ultimately tug at your heartstrings, there's plenty of fodder for your brain, too, on the tell-it-like-it-is "Ugly Truth," the aforementioned "Seeing Black" and "Awakening," a non-preachy invitation to find balance in life's busiest seasons. 

While certainly a more serious effort than her previous outings, there's still plenty of joy in listening to Blessed because it's a fitting reminder not to forget life's smallest treasures—and to celebrate those who are closest to your heart since we're never guaranteed how much time we'll have with them.

*This review first published 3/14/2011