Essence is a tactfully subtle expression of longing and loss. A more subdued effort than the explosive Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, Essence is another step toward maturity in Lucinda's writing and musicianship. The melodies are delicate as eggshells, expanding into ethereal and endlessly captivating landscapes of sound.

Like Nick Cave's recent "No More Shall We Part," some songs, such as the pathos-fused "Out Of Touch" and the title track, patiently develop into crescendos of banging drums, blues guitar and Lucinda's compelling vocal harmonies. The occasionally incoherent drawl with which she sang on Car Wheels has acquiesced to a softened, solemn and accessible croon whose beauty remains astonishing throughout the album's entirety.

Essence is also further confirmation of Lucinda's lyrical prowess. Lines like "I don't wanna talk/I just wanna go back to blue," and "Can't put the rain back in the sky" are gorgeous, only tempered by a few unfortunately predictable and easy lines such as "You're my drug/Come on and let me taste your stuff" or "it just breaks my heart/that I can't get close to you," which demonstrate that she is not quite Townes Van Zandt, but considering the wealth of vapid songwriting poisoning the contemporary music scene today, Lucinda Williams is a divine presence.

Essence is one of the best albums of 2001.

- Rambles
written by Gianmarc Manzione
published 15 February 2003