Massachusetts (2014)/ Lori McKenna

"Lori McKenna is a storyteller in song and although her characters live small-town existences, they don't lead unexamined lives. The people the 44-year-old mother of five sings about are ordinary Americans who are trying to make sense of a changing world; and their emotions range from weary resignation, to anger, to simple, heartfelt joy. "Better With Time" ('my left hand still fits into your right hand') is heartwarming but there are coruscating songs, too. 'You aint worth the spit in my mouth when I scream out your name,' she sings in "Salt"; while "Make Every Word Hurt" is a deeply unsentimental song. Yet there is also optimism, and any parent will identify with the bittersweet emotions of "Grown Up Now", which includes the line 'I wish we could all age slow'. Guitarist Mark Erellis deft production allows the music to hum, and sound almost live, without sacrificing the power of the lyrics." (Martin Chilton, Telegraph; waardering: 4 uit 5 sterren)