Full Review

Eliza Gilkyson – Beautiful World

Eliza's debut disc for Redhouse, 2000's 'Hard Times in Babylon' was a real breakthrough album in the UK, and a deserved critical and commercial success; her subsequent studio albums have all been strong, but have followed a similar pattern, and with Eliza's distinct delivery there was a danger of them all being a little too similar. This new album puts all those worries to one side, as it's as fresh sounding as it could be; it's still identifiably Eliza, but the approach is fresh.
As ever, the lyrics are topical and easy to identify with, but musically this is a much more subtle album with a more organic roots feel, perhaps it's the assembled musicians who number 19 across the whole album or the fact that they include a good number some celebrated players including Elana James, David Grissom, Rich Brotherton and Julie Wolf - whatever the catalyst for the change in approach, it's very welcome and makes 'Beautiful World' her best album for many years.
Melody rich and full of hooks, it's much than ear-candy as there some hard hitting lyrics amongst the 11 songs, and she covers the full range of emotions from the beautiful English hymn-like feel of 'Wildewood Spring' to the anything but hymn-like 'Dream Lover'.
Varied, lyrically interesting and beautifully and thoughtfully framed by a great range of players 'Beautiful World' is a real gem that cements Eliza Gilkyson as one of the leading lights of the modern roots music scene. Very highly recommended.