Ani DiFranco's latest CD is titled "Evolve" and that is exactly what this goddess of modern-day folk has done.
"I just got kinda ... distracted," Ani said on 1997's "Living In Clip" album, in regards to the turn her songwriting had taken. "Evolve" is more personal than the political, femme-rock she is best known for.
"Evolve" finds the singer/songwriter finally returning to her lyrical roots, as well as finally learning how to take the best advantage of her backup band. The jam feel of albums like "Swing Set" and "To The Teeth" is still present on tracks like the 10-minute "Serpentine," but the overwhelming rambles that have overtaken recent albums like the aforementioned two have vanished in favor of tighter, more direction-driven composition.
The title track is one of the most obviously political, but knowing Ani's trademark ability to weave reflections on the state of our nation into her songs, it is almost certain there are commentaries here that will not reveal themselves until the CD is spun numerous times.
"Now let's get talking reefer madness, like/some arrogant government can't/by any stretch of the imagination/outlaw a plant!" she sings. Later in the same song, she plucks her way along questions of who is really being represented in our international affairs: "It's a crash course in religious fundamentals/now let's all go to war/get some bang for our buck."
The song that captures the listener's attention quickest is track four, "Slide," which bears no relation to the Goo Goo Dolls song of the same name. DiFranco's lyrics in this song can be likened to words from a modern-day Sylvia Plath, as she coos lyrics so heartbreaking, they make the song impossible to listen to without a catch of your breath in your throat. "She laid down in her party dress and never got up/needless to say she missed the party/she just got sad/then she got stuck ... we never see things changing/we only see them ending."
The words are mournful, but thanks to the background vocals and rolling, precise guitar (not to mention the background instrumentals), there is an underlying positive tone to the piece.
Each track on "Evolve" hits the listener this way, giving you only moments to realize that DiFranco is back in full force with her 20th album. Its list price is worth it for the cover and jacket art alone. "Evolve" is an album that no one should miss, whether or not they are a fan of DiFranco's recent work.
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Righteous Babe Records |
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Release Date: March 11, 2003 |
