Full Review

Dar Williams – Promised Land

‘Promised Land’ is Dar’s seventh studio album in her fifteen year career, and over this period she’s gone from acoustic coffee-house folkie through to poppy singer/songwriter backed by a full band.

This new disc sees the introduction of Brad Wood, a producer known for his work with rockier artists and this change of producer is a real success, and following on from 2005s ‘My Better Self’, these two discs represent the most consistent two albums since her first pair of releases.

Always an excellent lyricist and melody writer, the extra edge brought in by Wood gives the songs a little more character and urgency than usual, but Williams’ elegant voice still delivers emotion with ease.

While the sound may have changed a little, her lyrics are still as keen as ever, and on ‘Promised Land’ she’s on top form with songs that stand up there against some of her very best. ‘The Easy Way’ is a classic Williams’ track, where effortless melody and thoughtful lyrics come together to make the best song of the album.

Guest musicians include Suzanne Vega, Marshall Crenshaw and Greg Leisz who add depth to the overall mix of instruments that are all under-pinned by her own acoustic guitar.

Fifteen years on from her debut, this disc shows that Dar is still as driven and relevant today as when she started as this is an album of real quality throughout, from the excellent thoughtful songs through to the beautiful packaging.