On her ninth album, Patty Griffin takes a left turn, incorporating bracing jazz and blues influences into her trademark contemporary folk sound. Griffin’s weathered voice is still central: Country tones seep into her melodies, and she expertly crafts poetic turns of phrase—particularly on “250,000 Miles,” a shattering exploration of maternal grief. But syncopated rhythms enliven tracks like “Gunpowder” and “There Isn’t One Way,” while “Noble Ground” boasts a raunchy blues swagger that’s wholly captivating.
More By Patty Griffin
- 2002
- 2004
- 1996
- 2019
- 2013
- 1998
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