Lucinda Williams: World's Gone Wrong

"Topical as it is, part of World's Gone Wrong is grounded in tradition. The title derives from " The World Is Going Wrong," an old blues song by Mississippi Sheiks-one irresistible to Bob Dylan, who named a collection of blues and folk standards World Gone Wrong in 1993-and Bob Marley's "So Much Trouble in the World" has a prominent place on the record, closing out its first side."

"Williams sings "So Much Trouble in the World" as a duet with Mavis Staples, and the soul legend is hardly the only guest here. Norah Jones plays on the placid closer "We've Come Too Far to Turn Around," Willie Nelson 's right-hand man Mickey Raphael lends harmonica to "Low Life," and upcoming country singer Brittney Spencer sings on a pair of songs."

Lucinda Williams's World's Gone Wrong frames contemporary chaos through blues and roots music, with song titles that confront persistent turmoil. The album draws from tradition, referencing the Mississippi Sheiks and covering Bob Marley's "So Much Trouble in the World" as a duet with Mavis Staples. Guest musicians including Norah Jones, Mickey Raphael, and Brittney Spencer contribute texture and a communal feel. The closing track "We've Come Too Far to Turn Around" functions as an elegiac benediction offering hope. The band, anchored by David Sutton with Brady Blade and Marc Ford, delivers a big, greasy, swampy rock-and-blues sound.

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