Lucinda Williams has been making music for over three decades, but her latest effort is more urgent than ever. At 73, the Americana legend takes the stage, her voice burnished from recent health struggles, yet still radiating resolve.
The show in Belfast's Limelight was a testament to Williams' authority and conviction as a songwriter. She effortlessly commanded the room with her band, who delivered patient and eloquent support. The setlist showcased 16 tracks from her new album, World's Gone Wrong, and each one carried a sense of protest and social commentary.
One of the most striking aspects of the performance was Williams' willingness to bare her emotions through lyrics that landed with precision. Tracks like "Right in Time" and "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" tapped into the power of everyday moments, imbuing them with charged intimacy. Her band expertly underscored these nuances, with ex-Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford delivering blues lines that never crowded her phrasing.
The show's tone was not without its tension – Williams addressed the challenges of writing about power and consequence in a world out of balance – but she cut through with conviction. "We the people … people have the power" resonated deeply, as did her impassioned rendition of Neil Young's Rockin' in the Free World.
For all the similarities between Williams' new protest songs, one thing was clear: this is music that needed to be heard now. Her voice may not be unscathed, but it's more resolute than ever, carrying a message that refuses to be silenced.
The show in Belfast's Limelight was a testament to Williams' authority and conviction as a songwriter. She effortlessly commanded the room with her band, who delivered patient and eloquent support. The setlist showcased 16 tracks from her new album, World's Gone Wrong, and each one carried a sense of protest and social commentary.
One of the most striking aspects of the performance was Williams' willingness to bare her emotions through lyrics that landed with precision. Tracks like "Right in Time" and "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" tapped into the power of everyday moments, imbuing them with charged intimacy. Her band expertly underscored these nuances, with ex-Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford delivering blues lines that never crowded her phrasing.
The show's tone was not without its tension – Williams addressed the challenges of writing about power and consequence in a world out of balance – but she cut through with conviction. "We the people … people have the power" resonated deeply, as did her impassioned rendition of Neil Young's Rockin' in the Free World.
For all the similarities between Williams' new protest songs, one thing was clear: this is music that needed to be heard now. Her voice may not be unscathed, but it's more resolute than ever, carrying a message that refuses to be silenced.
This performance by Lucinda Williams is so inspiring 
... her band sounds amazing too! 
I love how she wasn't afraid to share her emotions through her lyrics 
... some of the lines are just so relatable 
... and it's clear that this album is needed now, especially with everything going on in the world 
... can't wait to listen to the rest of World's Gone Wrong 
! 
. And that setlist? 16 tracks that'll keep you on the edge of your seat! 
I'm loving the bluesy vibes from Marc Ford, it adds this whole new level to her phrasing 
. This woman's music is like a wake-up call – we need more of this now! 
. It's amazing how she can make you feel all these emotions through her lyrics, from everyday moments to full-on protest anthems 
. What I loved most about the show was how raw and honest it felt, like she was speaking straight to us. The band was on point too, Marc Ford's blues lines were a perfect complement to Lucinda's powerful vocals 
she's got more grit in her voice than most people have in their whole lives 
! But what I think struck me most was the sense of urgency in her performance – like, this music really needs to be heard right now 
.
. I love how she tackled tough topics like power and consequence, but still managed to bring the house down with her powerful vocals 
. and let's be real, if we're gonna make a change, it's gotta start from within ourselves first, so the world doesn't have to be out of balance anymore 
. We need more people like her using their voices for good 
!
and that voice... wow, it's like butter for your soul 
but you know what? it's exactly that kind of courage we need more of in these times 
. Her new album World's Gone Wrong is definitely making waves and I can see why - she's tackling some heavy themes with precision and heart 
. Marc Ford's guitar work was the icing on the cake too 
. Anyway, check out this video of her live show if you haven't already... 
You know what I mean? She's still got that fire in her belly and she's using it to speak truth to power 
It's crazy how some artists can just keep creating even when life throws 'em curveballs. For Lucinda, it's not about being a young rebel anymore, but about being a wise elder who's seen the world and knows what's really important 
.
she has such a strong voice and stage presence, you can tell she's been doing this for a looong time... i was kinda worried when i read she'd had health issues tho