Billy Herrington | Little Rock, Arkansas United States | 08/15/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't know how I have missed Eliza through the years, being a huge fan of female singer-songwriters, but I have. I recently saw her on Austin City Limits (the number of "new" people that show has turned me on to is unreal). I was tired and ready for bed but once she started, there was no way I could not stay up to watch and listen. WOW! And this CD is even better. I admit I am a sucker for a girl with a guitar and at my age a women with a guitar is even better. Make no mistake, she is not a "girl" singer. This is a full grown woman (she's even a grandmother). My preferences lead me to listen to as many female singer-songwriters as possible but she is a cut above, in the same league with Lucinda Williams and Patty Griffin in my opinion.I have only listened to this twice through and I am hooked. I will not bore you with a blow by blow of every song because they are still new to me. Suffice to say that Eliza brings maturity, grace and class to everything she touches here. She is a fine song crafter who addresses loss and redemption, life and love from the viewpoint of one who has been there and learned much from the experience. She does not whine about anything, accepting life as it is with regrets but an ability to dust herself off and move on when that time comes. Her voice is perfect for her music, sweet at times, world weary and ragged around the edges at times, and always sensual. The musicians on this CD play flawlessly and the production is first rate. I am going to savor this for several more playings and then go check out everything else she has done. If you are a fan of this genre of music, I would very highly recommend this CD. Eliza, I am glad we finally crossed paths."
Hard Core Emotions
bethtexas | United States | 06/15/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"To me, this album was a breakthrough for Eliza Gilkyson. I can see by some people's reviews that they miss the more folksy side of Eliza. But if I could only keep one Eliza Gilkyson album ... I personally would choose this.These songs are daring! Not just lyrically with such great lines as "I've got a foolish heart, but I'm not an idiot." and "Be still, my beating heart" in reference to not quite wanting to go on today. But it's also musically extraordinary. The opening song is catchy as anything. And then, she moves to ballads, hard rock-n-roll beats, sultry numbers, experimental formats. What remains consistent throughout the album is the hard core emotional honesty.Lyrics always take center stage on this album -- she annunciates clearly, and no matter what's going on musically, you can always hear the words plainly. I like that. And these are some serious words! Backed by husky expressiveness. This is an album that challenges you to explore the emotional realms -- and not just the cheery ones. I loved her previous albums. But to me -- this one is art."
My favorite of Eliza
R. Kyle | USA | 12/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Have had the privilege of hearing Eliza in very intimate local venues and she's got the most outstanding honey-and-whiskey voice. That voice always takes center stage with simple arrangements backing. This is an amazing album, covering everything from sinning to salvation. "Hard Times in Babylon" according to Eliza is autobiographical of the worst times in her career. "Sanctuary" is a beautiful hymn no matter what spiritual affiliation you have. While Eliza's newest "Land of Milk and Honey" has been nominated for a Grammy in the Folk Category this year, I think "Hard Times" is a very good place to start listening to Eliza's music."
Thoughtful and Soulful
Nanci | Tri-Cities, WA USA | 10/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Who said good songs can't be intelligent and thoughtful, and still tug at your heart and fill your soul? Eliza has a one of a kind voice, is a lyrical, poetic songwriter, and bares her soul in her songs. Sometimes things get a bit cryptic, but in this CD the heart is on the sleeve. I wouldn't say it is an uplifting CD, it has its dark side, but I wouldn't call it depressing either. The darkness just gives the music an edge that feels good. Every song has been played over & over on the repeat feature of my CD player. I immediately went searching for more. Her latest, "Lost & Found" lives up to the promise of this stellar CD."
Female David Gray
Melinda Morgan | Cape Coral, FL USA | 03/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It took two spins on my cd player for Eliza to hook me and reel me in. She reminds me of a female David Gray, with many of her lines ending on a minor note. It was worth the price of the cd for the eight track, Twisted, with it's haunting, moody, and unflinching look at the dark side obsessive love, but the rest of the songs are insightful and moving. With intelligent lyrics, and her subtlety deceptive guitar riffs accompanying her imperfect voice, she's under my skin."