Ani DiFranco: Red Letter Year

Ani DiFranco
Red Letter Year
Righteous Babe Records [2008]








Fire Note Says: New perspective on life drives upbeat but relaxed album!

Album Review:
It is a shame that a prolific artist like Ani DiFranco is still not a household name when her albums release. Her fan following is an artists dream and Red Letter Year will not disappoint them but will appeal to many new listeners based on its strength. Over the course of the last two years, Red Letter Year has developed into an album that celebrates existence, motherhood, profession of love, and still reflects a solid point of Ani's views. The birth of her daughter has put Ani in a relaxed and content state of mind and it shows with the joyous hooks that circulate throughout the record. Co-producing the record is her partner Mike Napolitano (Joseph Arthur, Twilight Singers) backed by a myriad of of solid musicians and a touring band that practically play each others notes. Something fans will notice immediately about the sound on Red Letter Year is that songs pop off at the listener with their production and more expressive beats that make feet tappin' and singing along a must. Not that she needs it but Red Letter Year really does have the potential to break Ani out into a more mainstream audience because as always, lyrically it is a strong record but musically it is one of her most accessible and catchy records to date.

Key Tracks: "Emancipated Minor", "Red Letter Year", "Star Matter"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Michelle Shocked
Joni Mitchell
Suzanne Vega

Emancipated Minor (mp3)

Official Ani DiFranco Website
Ani DiFranco MySpace
Ani DiFranco Info [Allmusic]
Righteous Babe Records

-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby