After the diverse, concept themed trio of discs (‘Threesome’) in 2005, Michelle Shocked has returned with a more traditional style of album where her own songs are presented in a folk/rock style.
Distinctly individual, Shocked’s independence and strident political views are well documented, from her battle with her major label (and her resulting pioneering own label), to the cover of ‘Short Sharp Shocked’ that sees her being restrained at a demo.
If all you know of Shocked are these images of a strident, angry artist rather than the music, then dip into any of her albums and you’ll find one of the most musical and intelligent singer/songwriters around.
‘Soul of My Soul’ sees Shocked in fine form – the whole disc is packed with songs that are full of emotion, and it’s a disc with lots of social commentary that’s balanced out by some genuinely tender love songs. 
What she has that is often missing in other performers is an ability to convey strong emotion and sincerity – whether it’s a track of love or anger, there’s no doubt that she feels every word she writes and sings.
Nowhere is this better demonstrated than on ‘The Bullet and the Ballad’ which is full of a nation’s disappointment; and on ‘True Story’ which is a tender and genuine love song.
The tracks here are a great mixture of styles from acoustic folk, through to full on rock tracks, and ‘Soul of My Soul’ is an album that keeps the listener on their toes.
There are some wonderful highlights here, ‘Pompeii’ is a skilful critique of corporate America; ‘Other People’ is a love song directed at the USA, and how she feels mistreated by a wayward nation, and ‘The Ballad of the Ballot and the Bullet Part 1’ is a Steve Earle-like song in both it’s lyrics and arrangement.  What all these songs and the whole album have in common is that she has a real lightness of melodic touch and there are some superb hooks littered across the whole disc.
This is an excellent addition to her catalogue of albums, and a disc full of passion and adult commentary on both social and personal situations.  Very highly recommended.

Track listing
1 Love's Song
2 Other People
3 Liquid Prayer
4 Ballad of the Battle of the Ballot and the Bullet Part 1: Ugly Americans
5 Waterproof
6 Paperboy
7 Giantkiller
8 Heart to Heart
9 Pompeii
10 True Story

£12.99