What does it really mean to be “critically acclaimed?” Do musicians even want their latest record to be described as such? For you see, more often than not, such a designation is music industry code for, “The music snobs who really know music love this album, but the ignorant teeming masses won’t know what they’re missing here.” But sadly, while those masses are teeming and they most likely are ignorant, it’s a tragedy that they usually miss out upon some great music, thanks to decisions made by record and radio executives.
So, hopefully, with any luck, the greater music-listening public has an opportunity to hear the music of Joe Henry, specifically on Civilians, the tenth album of his career and second for Anti-. After spending the past five years producing artists like Solomon Burke, Aimee Mann, Ani DiFranco, and Bettye Lavette, while only releasing one album of his own, Henry has returned with a gorgeous palette of songs filled with lush strings (courtesy of the illustrious Van Dyke Parks), intricate melodies, and a penchant for incisive lyricism destined to astound even the most cynical folk aficionado. Employing a songwriting style that can be aptly described as politically informed and aware, tracks like “Civil War,” “Our Home” (his ode to Willie Mays’ fictitious musings while he shops in an Arizona Home Depot), and the gut-wrenching closer “God Only Knows” find Mr. Henry wearily singing his way across the contemporary musical landscape. With a jazz-infused blend of folk and soul, Civilians represents the best and brightest of true, classic American music - Joe Henry has penned a masterpiece.
-- Adam P. Newton
