These Four Walls

Perhaps the lack of recognition given Shawn Colvin is due to her drawn out release schedule. With two albums in 11 years, she could give Boston a run for Tom Sholz's money. Maybe if she'd been a bit more prolific, she'd be recognized as the terrific artist she truly is. But then again, as each CD is a knock-out collection without filler tracks, maybe it's just as well. The appreciative audience of fans (like me) that snap up the CD's as they trickle out are always assured of only the finest quality music.

"These Four Walls" is no exception. Eleven new songs and two covers, there isn't a wasted note or overplayed stanza on the entire CD. Songs of lover's resignation (the beautiful title song) and bitter rants like "Tuff Kid" are interlaced with love songs like "Let It Slide" and her cover of the Bee Gees' "Words." Producer and co-writer John Leventhal does for Colvin what he has done over numerous times through the years: frames Colvin letter perfectly. It is the same kind of empathic touch he gave to Rosanne Cash on "Black Cadillac."

The show, however, belongs to Colvin. Her delivery of these songs is unflinchingly honest, and had this been the time of hits for the likes of her, Natalie Merchant and Suzanne Vega in the late 80's, the audience for this would be clamoring for "Summer Dress" and "Venetian Blue" on the radio or even VH1. But alas, Shawn Colvin's "These Four Walls" will suffer the commercial fate of more discriminatory buyers, like the folks who are probably reading this review. So what are you waiting for?

One of the best of 2006.

Five years was worth the wait. Shawn Colvin returns to form after the uneven "Whole New You." The reason, amazing songwriting. "Summer Dresses" is the highlight among a great collection of songs. The lyrics are subtle and moving--she doesn't strain to write poetically. The production is also more restrained than it was on her last effort, never overpowering the heartfelt, personal, and evocative vocal performance.

I have been a fan of Shawn's music since her break out hit Sunny Came Home. Although I really love that song, there are also some other songs that are even better than Sunny Came Home in my opinion. These Four Walls showcases Shawn's remarkable voice and songwriting ability. Tuching, poignant and bittersweet, this album has a song for every mood. The title track is beautifully sung, and the guitar is just haunting. Venetian Blue, The Bird, I'm Gone and Let It Slide are powerful emotional testaments to the power of Shawn's songwriting and John Leventhal's producing prowess. Shawn's cover of the BG's Words and Paul Westerberg's Even Here We Are showcase another side of Colvin's talents. She interprets covers like no other! My favorite tracks are Tough Kid, The Bird, Cinnamon Road, These Four Walls and Let It Slide. Patty Griffin and Marc Cohn's contributions to Cinnamon Road are amazing, and Teddy Thompson (son of singer/songwriter Richard Thompson) make Let It Slide wonderfully expressive. If you are a fan or just a newcomer, you won't be disapponted! I have listened to this album numerous times and find something different each time. Definitely worth the wait!