Rhiannon Giddens
Freedom Highway
2017
Freedom Highway is the best representation yet of Rhiannon Giddens’ unique ability to reclaim the African and Caribbean roots of traditional country instrumentation, and the album is all the more powerful because said instrumentation works as the undercurrent of stories that have gone untold.
Giddens reaches across history to connect the past with the future, drawing parallels between slavery (“At the Purchaser’s Option,”) emancipation (“Julie,”) the Jim Crow south (“The Angels Laid Him Away,”) and the Civil Rghts movement past (“Birmingham Sunday”) and present (“Better Get it Right the First Time.”) Depending on the point in history being covered, she incorporates relevant instrumentations and styles, culminating with the use of rap on “First Time” to great effect.
There aren’t any victims on this record, even among those with dark and devastating fates. Through her singing and songwriting, she infuses all of her characters with humanity and dignity, which often serves as a stark reminder of what is lost for all of us when black lives don’t matter. The album’s impact is only heightened by its moments of euphoria and romance, most notably on the joyous “Hey Bébé,” and the flat out lusty “The Love We Almost Had,” which has a palpable sexual tension that Giddens slyly reveals with her sultry vocal.
It was once said that hope is a thing with feathers, and through aspirational tracks like “We Could Fly,” the album is grounded in an optimistic resilience. We’re already on the freedom highway, even if liberation is still a ways down the road. Giddens’ inspirational truth-telling is enough to make a fellow traveler out of a curious listener, provided they have an open mind and a willing heart.
Additional Listening
- The Grammy-winning Genuine Negro Jig from the Carolina Chocolate Drops features a delicious cover of “Hit ‘Em Up Style” from Giddens
- Her solo debut, Tomorrow is My Turn, showcases how well she could’ve done a conventional Americana career if she desired
- there is no other and Callin’ Me Home are both worthy collaborations with Francesco Turrisi
- You’re the One returns Giddens to contemporary sounds and themes, and is a worthy addition to her trio of solo albums
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