“All the Trouble”
Lee Ann Womack
Written by Waylon Payne, Lee Ann Womack, and Adam Wright
Lee Ann Womack doesn’t get nearly enough credit for her fearlessness as an artist.
Because she debuted with the staunchly traditional “Never Again, Again,” her career is often framed as one of a traditional country artist who sometimes loses her way. That leads celebrated projects like There’s More Where That Came From and The Way I’m Livin’ to be seen as course corrections, rather than just one facet of her talents.
Perhaps being an independent artist will result in a more open-minded reaction to “All the Trouble,” a record that is far more blues than country. Womack keeps the twang in check as she tackles a mournful lyric from her own pen.
It’s an adventurous performance, with Womack pushing herself as a vocalist, often a little too hard. But her willingness to do so makes for a satisfying listen overall, and adds an aura of intrigue to her upcoming album, The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone.
Grade: B+
Cool track — almost sounds like it would’ve fit in on ‘The Way I’m Livin’,’ which I absolutely loved. :)
Womack is one of the most quietly consistent yet versatile artists in the genre. She’s also the rare one who gracefully accepted that her hit making days are (unfairly) over and proceeded to make her best, truest music instead of chasing trends. Can’t wait to hear the new album.
I’m obsessed with this. It sounds modern while also sounding 1970s. One of the greatest female voices of all time. Absolutely love it.
In terms of her lead singles, I don’t know if I love this *quite* as much as “The Way I’m Livin’,” but that’s an awfully high bar she’s set for herself. This is fantastic, though. I love that she’s continuing to challenge herself and defy expectations.
I adore this lady and her music. She is one of country’s alltime greatest lights.