Kathleen Edwards: Voyageur

Kathleen Edwards
Voyageur
Zoë/Rounder Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: An intense and compelling journey through heartbreak, regrets and maybe even hope!

Album Review:
On Voyageur, Canadian songwriter Kathleen Edwards chronicles her journey through heartache and sadness of her recent divorce, as well as the possibility of renewal and happiness with new love Justin Vernon (also known as Bon Iver and co-producer of the album).

Edwards' songs have always told captivating stories about the ups and downs of relationships with friends, family and lovers - almost always with sharp wit and dry humor. But this time the stories and attitude step back to make room for raw emotions, private thoughts and sad observations (like "Pink Champagne", which looks back on her wedding day and notes "it was such a dumb idea").

Voyageur ranges from upbeat and melodic pop (the first single, "Change The Sheets") to slow and mournful ballads ("House Full Of Empty Rooms"), and so fans of Edwards' early alt-country records may have trouble keeping up as she moves away from her roots in that genre. And while she hasn't abandoned the style completely, it's now clear she'll never stay in one place (the opener "Empty Threat" has a slight twangy feel, even while she warns "I'm moving to America").

"For the record, I only wanted to sing songs," Edwards sings with collaborator Norah Jones as the album draws to a close - a quiet declaration that she'll remain true to herself while traveling through a painful and confusing world.

Key Tracks: "Empty Threat", "Change The Sheets", "For The Record"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Decemberists
The Jayhawks
Sam Philips

Kathleen Edwards Website
Kathleen Edwards Facebook
Zoë/Rounder Records

-Reviewed by Nick Kizirnis (www.nickykay.com)