Lilli Lewis Proves Tenacious On Wide Ranging ‘Americana’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

The newest record from Lilli Lewis titled Americana begins with her thesis statement “My American Heart (Prelude)”:

“My American Heart is alive with the fire and the promise of tomorrow. I’ll speak my story, I’ll sing my song. My American Heart is alive with the fire and the promise of tomorrow.”

After her lyrical declaration has been made Lewis goes through all sorts of American styles of music, proving her vast range of understanding, questioning, struggling and loving as the music ebbs and flows around her vocals and strong lyrics. Conceived during quarantine, the New Orleans artist decided to focus on songs based more in her folk roots and less as she didn’t need to move any live crowds/dance floors to win over listeners.   

No style seems to be out of bounds for the nicknamed Folk Rock Diva as she worked with producer Mark Bingham and brought in guests such as Rick Nelson (Afghan Whigs, Polyphonic Spree), folk favorite Gina Forsyth, and Seattle Blues Legend Lady A to accompany her on the musical journey. 

Things start off brilliantly with the intro, folk rock/pedal steel laden “Copper John” and the funky country, Yola like groove of “Wrecking Ball” which shoots for the Top 40 to take the system down from the inside. Lounge jazz with bubbling bass and organ works wonders on “One Shoe” while the piano, skittering drums and Lewis’ modern life lyrics does the same for “The Great Divide”.

The stripped down spiritual feeling flowing through “Piece of Mine” is haunting as acoustic guitars, violins and the trained opera singer (who does not need to go over the top) delivers the song through the darkness, but the true moral center of the record is “A Healing Inside” as Lady A supports on vocals with power and grace. 

Unfortunately, on the second half of the album the songs have a tendency to become bloated and drag. “Fly” has a sweet sound and uplifting lyrics, the piano jazz of “Wednesday’s Child” and the slow building “Coffee Shop Girl” all would have benefited with some editing as their overly dramatic presentations push the six minute mark. The Broadway pomp could work well if converted to musical theater, but as a long playing record, the energy is diluted. 

The album does wrap up positively, bringing back the opening thesis statement for the finale of “My American Heart”, scaling down the theatrics while infusing folk, soul, powerful vocals and a sense of history tied to modern times and difficult conversations. The lovely protest music throughout Americana is a testament to Lewis and company as the sweet sounds help guide the soaring vocals and determined lyrics; it is a strong statement record from an artist who can seemingly do it all.

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