Customer Reviews
Bold, concise, emotional - and exceptionally well produced - By: J. Eddelbuettel, 17 Nov 2008 
Lucinda uses her talents to perfection on this one. The songs about loss & lost love make this a true album effort. Learning How To Live digs itself deep into your subconsciousness right away. Wrap My Hand Around That may be a bit streched though. Where Car Wheels could still be classified as Americana, if such classification for Williams mix of folk, blues, rock, & some country is warranted at alll, West reallly finds here on an island by herself. And I'm more than happy to listen to her on my own little reatreats in to good music. Granted, 4.5 stars might be enough. But given the previous reviews I reallly feel this needs a shot in the arm.
Unbelievable! - By: J. Hextall, 11 Nov 2008 I am amazed at the controversy this recording has produced. I first heard 'Learning how to live' on one of those Radio 4 programmes where celebrities play each other strange tunes, & thought 'what on earth is this, it sounds godawful...' but over the next few days the memory of it ate into my subconscious & I just had to go & buy the CD. After a couple of listens, I now think the album is the best thing out for years. It is profoundly simple, hypnotic & gut-wrenching. What more could you want? The rest of Lucinda Williams back catalogue for starters.
Gone West? - By: Blackbird, 05 May 2008 
This is a charming album of simple & heartfelt songs, mostly gentle but intimately powerful. I found the approach thoroughly engaging, with sparse production & instrumentation complementing the lyrics & Lucinda's vocals. The simplicity of 'Mama you Sweet' (with one very long verse) draws you in to the emotion of the song. 'Are You Alright' & 'Where is my Love' are great, beautiful songs & Jenny Scheinman's expressive violin adds a unique layer to the arrangements.
I thought some of the songs could have been shorter, & that the CD might have been better with a few tracks omitted. The album isn't full of instant hits but reveals itself over time, & is well worth taking the time to get to know it.
Not Her best - By: Leven1, 11 Apr 2008 
I was excited to see West come out & not too bothered when I didn't hear much I liked on first listen (if I love an album on first listen then I am disappointed because it always means that I will become bored of the album quickly). However, I have now listened to West many many times & although it has improved I still find much of it bland & some of it annoying. I never liked Lucinda's repetative songs but she seems to have a few. Even now Joy is my least favourite Car Wheels song. This album has several "joy" type songs & they reallly begin to grate after a while. I like a melody & these tracks lack that "Wrap My Head Around That" being a prime example. The album also suffers from some over production which makes it sound bland. There some good tracks on this album too "West" & Where is My Love" are personal favourites but overalll I was expecting better. Many people have given this album good reviews so maybe I am missing something but where in the past I have disagreed with critics of Essence & World (both albums I love almost as much as Car Wheels) this time I have to agree with the criticism. It has obviously been a hard time in her life so hopefully she has exorcised some demons & she will be back to her best next time out.
one of her best - By: Msp Khan, 24 Feb 2008 Although esssence is my favourite, i think there are stronger tracks on this album. I just love the way she breaks down the barriers between rock.blues ,country & folk. After a while it is just music you are listening to . Initiallly the lyrics & arrangements seem simple but somehow she seems to get more from so little that it does not matter.In the beginning i just liked her but now i listen to her music almost alll the time. Someone callled her the femail neil young but i think they were doing her a disservice because i am a neil young & i think when you have listened her neil seems a little tame.
