This is a very interesting 2002 Hear Music/Starbucks compilation, in which Lucinda Williams selected 16 songs that were personally meaningful to her. It is not a Lucinda Williams album—none of the tracks are her own recordings. The concept was for established musicians to explain in the liner notes why particular songs mattered to them.

Released: 2002

Label: Hear Music / Starbucks

Tracks: 16

Genre: Americana / roots rock / folk / country / blues / jazz

Track listing

1. The Band – It Makes No Difference

2. Paul Westerberg – Good Day

3. Patty Griffin – Mary

4. Anne McCue – These Things

5. Tex Perkins – To Us

6. Gregg Allman – These Days

7. Yo La Tengo – Tears Are in Your Eyes

8. Leonard Cohen – Famous Blue Raincoat

9. Nina Simone – Don’t Explain

10. John Coltrane – Say It (Over and Over Again)

11. Ryan Adams – Sylvia Plath

12. Chuck Prophet – No Other Love

13. Judy Collins – La Chanson des Vieux Amants

14. Ron Sexsmith – April After All

15. Chet Baker – My Funny Valentine

16. João Gilberto – Eclipse

Musical character

The collection is much more eclectic than you might expect from a country/rock singer. There is a strong emphasis on melancholy, emotionally direct songwriting, with plenty of roots music alongside jazz and Brazilian music.

The opening “It Makes No Difference” by The Band is particularly appropriate. Williams praised its melody, harmonies, lyrics and organic quality in her accompanying notes.

Other highlights include:

* Leonard Cohen – “Famous Blue Raincoat” – intimate and haunting.

* Nina Simone – “Don’t Explain” – powerful blues/jazz interpretation.

* John Coltrane – “Say It (Over and Over Again)” – sophisticated jazz.

* Chet Baker – “My Funny Valentine” – understated cool jazz.

* Ryan Adams – “Sylvia Plath” – contemporary roots-rock songwriting.

* João Gilberto – “Eclipse” – beautiful Brazilian bossa nova influence.

Collector’s view

★★★★½ / 5.

It’s a particularly good compilation if you enjoy Americana and singer-songwriters, but its real attraction is getting an insight into Lucinda Williams’ musical tastes and influences. The booklet/liner notes are an important part of the package because Williams explains her choices.

Best genre classification for your collection:

👉 Americana / Roots / Singer-Songwriter