Joan Osborne
(Womanly Hips/Plum)
Ironically, Little Wild One suggests Joan Osborne is anything but. Reunited with the writing and production team that helped craft her 1995 debut -- Rick Chertoff, Rob Hyman, and Eric Bazilian - the new disc find her mellowed and venturing into the spiritual realms of its inspirational opener, "Hallelujah in the City." Banded in autobiographical mode, it allows Osborne to revel in her roots, sharing personal perspectives through songs that speak to relationships, core beliefs and finding one's way in the world.
Truth be told, Osborne's always been something of a free spirit when it comes to her musical ramblings, having paired with such diverse ensembles as the Funk Brothers, the reformed Dead and the Dixie Chicks. From these experiences she's gleaned an expression of honest emotion, found here in the heartfelt homage that imbues "Sweeter Than the Rest," "Light of This World" and the title track. The ragtag revelry of "Can't Say No" and "Rodeo" not withstanding, Osborne generally lowers her gaze, resulting in a soulful sway that makes Little Wild One the most affecting effort of a remarkably resilient career.
Standout tracks: "Hallelujah in the City," "Light of this World," "Little Wild One" LEE ZIMMERMAN
