Sweet Old World

• Artist: Lucinda Williams
• Rating:
• Release Date: August 25, 1992
• Total Time: 45:27
• Type: Lyrics are included with the album
• Genre: Folk

Review

After seemingly coming out of nowhere to be hailed as a major songwriter and roots music stylist, it took Lucinda Williams four years to prepare the follow-up to her masterful 1988 eponymous album. When it finally arrived, Sweet Old World proved to be every bit the equal of its predecessor, if not even better. Although Sweet Old World isn't really a concept album, it often feels like one. Its first half is dominated by the title track and "Pineola," two stunning meditations on suicide. Their sense of tragedy is reinforced with the closing cover of Nick Drake's "Which Will," and their shadow hangs heavy over the rest of the album. Several character portraits ponder where and why their subjects' lives went wrong; in this context, the dead-end situations seem that much more tragic and final. Moreover, when Williams offers an emotionally complex love ballad or a sexy blues strut, it's hard to take them as truly celebratory; here, the singer sounds as though she wants to appreciate who she has while she still can. That's also why "Little Angel, Little Brother" doesn't come off as remotely sentimental; the affectionate tribute works so well that, sandwiched between "Sweet Old World" and "Pineola," Williams' brother sounds like the suicide victim (it was actually a family friend). Williams' voice glows with the same warmth, for although it's limited in range, it's also a gorgeous instrument that WIlliams has learned to manipulate for maximum impact. Stylistically, Sweet Old World is similar to Lucinda Williams, juggling both the sounds and instruments of country, folk, blues, and rock & roll. It might not explode with confidence in the manner of Lucinda Williams, but Sweet Old World is no less vital; it's a gorgeous, elegiac record that not only consolidates but expands Williams' ample talents. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Six Blocks Away (Lyrics)	Lucinda Williams	Lucinda Williams	(2:52)
Something About What Happens When We Talk (Lyrics)	Lucinda Williams	Lucinda Williams	(3:50)
He Never Got Enough Love (Lyrics)	Lucinda Williams, Betty Elders	Lucinda Williams	(3:52)
Sweet Old World (Lyrics)	Lucinda Williams	Lucinda Williams	(4:03)
Little Angel, Little Brother (Lyrics)	Lucinda Williams	Lucinda Williams	(4:25)
Pineola (Lyrics)	Lucinda Williams	Lucinda Williams	(4:10)
Lines Around Your Eyes (Lyrics)	Lucinda Williams	Lucinda Williams	(2:29)
Prove My Love (Lyrics)	Lucinda Williams	Lucinda Williams	(2:48)
Sidewalks of the City (Lyrics)	Lucinda Williams	Lucinda Williams	(3:46)
Memphis Pearl (Lyrics)	Lucinda Williams, Lorne Rall	Lucinda Williams	(3:48)
Hot Blood (Lyrics)	Lucinda Williams	Lucinda Williams	(5:27)
Which Will (Lyrics)	Nick Drake	Lucinda Williams	(3:49)

Credits

Jim Lauderdale (Vocals (Background)), Lucinda Williams (Guitar (Acoustic)), Lucinda Williams (Vocals), Lucinda Williams (Producer), Lucinda Williams (Main Performer), Lucinda Williams (Liner Notes), Doug Atwell (Fiddle), Benmont Tench (Organ (Hammond)), Byron Berline (Fiddle), Byron Berline (Mandolin), Gia Ciambotti (Vocals (Background)), John Ciambotti (Bass), John Ciambotti (Bass (Electric)), John Ciambotti (Bass (Upright)), Michael Dumas (Engineer), Skip Edwards (Organ (Hammond)), Duane Jarvis (Guitar (Electric)), Donald Lindley (Percussion), Donald Lindley (Drums), Gurf Morlix (Guitar (Acoustic)), Gurf Morlix (Dobro), Gurf Morlix (Mandolin), Gurf Morlix (Pedal Steel), Gurf Morlix (Guitar (Electric)), Gurf Morlix (Guitar (Steel)), Gurf Morlix (Vocals (Background)), Gurf Morlix (Bottle), Gurf Morlix (Producer), Gurf Morlix (Lap Steel Guitar), Eddy Schreyer (Mastering), Dusty Wakeman (Vocals (Background)), Dusty Wakeman (Producer), Dusty Wakeman (Engineer), Dusty Wakeman (Mixing), William D. "Smitty" Smith (Organ (Hammond)), David Gahr (Photography), Skiles (Art Direction), Shõ-G (Design)

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