| Americana, Country |
If there’s one artist who is impossible to categorize, it’s Lyle Lovett. He is to music what Paul Auster is to literature, a sort of novelist who depicts the world he evolves in, as seen in this album, “Joshua Judges Ruth.” This is not a religious album, but rather his vision of the southern USA. The background vocals feature internationally renowned artists like Emmylou Harris and Rickie Lee Jones, among others. Although this album was critically acclaimed upon its release, it remains one of Lyle’s lesser-known works. In my opinion, it is one of the best albums he has produced. There are no compromises here; the music is impeccably organized, creating settings for each postcard that Lyle Lovett sends us. The arrangements are both simple and brilliantly crafted, perfectly serving this singer-songwriter who becomes an actor to convey the vocal mystery that can envelop you, for example, while driving through the depths of Texas.
Lovett has also appeared in films such as “The Player” (1992), “Short Cuts” (1993), “Ready to Wear” (1994), and “The Open Road” (2009). In 1996, he appeared in the TV movie “Bastard Out of Carolina,” and later had a recurring role in the TV series “The Bridge” (2013–14). Shy and modest by nature, Lovett was thrust into the media spotlight in 1993 when he married actress Julia Roberts after only a month of dating; the couple amicably separated in 1995. From my perspective, Lyle Lovett is one of the greatest American artists, performing prolifically across the southern USA. Here, he is a discreet and rightly respected reference. Rickie Lee Jones’ participation on the track “North Dakota” is as magnificent as on her first two albums. You can listen and re-listen to this album, realizing that Lyle Lovett can never be put in a small box because he is as free as the southern USA and its vast open spaces. Sometimes a storyteller, sometimes folk, sometimes rock, or even brushing jazz with his harmonious wings, Lyle Lovett is a concept unto himself, a southern legend carrying his friendly and fragile voice.
When I listen to Lyle Lovett, I always feel like the lone guy leaning on the bar painted by Hopper, lost in his thoughts with Lyle humming on the radio. It’s that kind of moment where anything can happen. The singer takes us on a journey through this album from city to city, place to place, creating atmospheres and igniting trails. Suddenly, “Baltimore” arrives. Maybe there are traces of blues here and there, but it doesn’t matter; we’re here for Lyle Lovett, and this singer-songwriter-actor could sell us anything. With such talent, it certainly wouldn’t be very difficult.
If only by ranking this album among our “Essentials,” it could finally achieve the success it deserves! One can dream, one can hope…
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, July 14th 2024
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Track Listing:
LP1 / Side A
1. I’ve Been To Memphis
2. Church
3. She’s Already Made Up Her Mind
LP1 / Side B
1. North Dakota
2. You’ve Been So Good Up To Now
3. All My Love Is Gone
LP2 / Side C
1. Since The Last Time
2. Baltimore
3. Family Reserve
LP2 / Side D
1. She’s Leaving Me Because She Really Wants To
2. Flyswatter / Ice Water Blues (Monte Trenckmann’s Blues)
3. She Makes Me Feel Good