Despite her success, we’d still say that Lucinda Williams is criminally underrated. Her unique brand of folk rock music is impossible to discredit. If you’re not completely familiar with Williams, find three of her best songs, below.
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1. “Fruits of My Labor”
Any entry-level Williams fan will know “Fruits of My Labor.” Nonetheless, it is a staple for a reason and thus deserves a spot on this list. The slow-building ballad is dripping in sex appeal and sleepy seduction. Williams’ voice is intoxicating here, revealing one of the reasons she is so beloved.
Traced your scent through the gloom
‘Til I found these purple flowers
I was spent, I was soon
Smelling you for hours
2. “Sweet Old World”
Williams tackles death in “Sweet Old World.” Her powerful vocals act as an assuage for the listener, who will inevitably start to wrestle with their own mortality after hearing this song. Williams crafts many poignant visuals throughout this song. Williams uses the notion of tender kisses and midnight trains to drive home this ode to the afterlife.
The breath from your own lips
The touch of fingertips
A sweet and tender kiss
The sound of a midnight train
Wearing someone’s ring
Someone calling your name
3. “Can’t Let Go”
“Can’t Let Go” is far more rowdy than the former songs on this list. This track represents the other side of Williams’ musicality, one that issues the listener a sucker punch. Though this song might have a harder edge musically, it still holds to Williams’ emotional songwriting. She attempts to find her footing in the wake of a breakup in this song, thrashing through heartache with fervor.
Told you, baby, one more time
Don’t make me sit all alone and cry
Well, it’s over, I know it but I can’t let go
I’m like a fish out of water, a cat in a tree
You don’t even want to talk to me
Well, it’s over, I know it but I can’t let go
(Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
