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Dar Williams - Green World
Yes, Dar Williams is a female singer/songwriter. Yes, her voice resembles artists like Jewel and sSarah McLachlan. Yes, she would fit right in at Lilith Fair. But make no mistake: Williams is her own woman-with-a-guitar. She is Ani DiFranco without the attitude, Sarah McLachlan with a social agenda, and Joni Mitchell with a sense of humor. What this all adds up to is a very talented, likeable performer.
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It is therefore unsurprising that Williams' new album, Green World, is very likeable. It's not particularly challenging or adventurous, but it's something everyone can appreciate: a poetic, intelligent pop album. Long-time fans may be turned off by the lack of solo tracks, part of a band-friendly trend that Dar has followed over the course of her last several albums. For anyone who wasn't paying attention to her last release, 1997's slick End of the Summer, Green World is a blaring announcement that the high priestess of folk has abdicated her throne. Songs like the leadoff track, "Playing to the Firmament," only hint at folk; the production and instrumentation fall much more in the modern alterna-rock arena. "I Won't be Your Yoko Ono" is straight-ahead pop, but lines like "You don't know a person like me/I could sell your songs to Nike" are wonderfully classic Dar. "After All" showcases her gorgeous gift for melody, while the country-influenced "Another Mystery" is lighthearted and catchy. The album's centerpiece, "We Learned from the Sea," sets her profound lyrics and fragile voice to a fingerpicked guitar and haunting strings.
What is so refreshing about Williams is that her music is emotional, poetic, and enjoyable all at the same time. In an age when most artists are either melodramatic in their angst or tongue-in-cheek,Williams is a breath of fresh air. (Razor and Tie)
—Chuck Colman
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