Album of the Week: Lissie, 'My Wild West'
by Brian Oake
February 22, 2016
Ever since I first saw her perform live, I have found Lissie to be completely fascinating. I wasn't ready for what I saw that night: I was suddenly under the spell of an artist so dynamic, so completely invested in the moment … that I kind of fell in love. No, not with a young blond chanteuse that I'd never met, but with an artist that wasn't even a little afraid to invite a room full of strangers all the way inside. As a performer, she was electric, charming and brave. Having since gotten to know her a bit, she's also generous, disarming and quick to laugh. I'm an unapologetic fan.
As such, I'm very happy to report that all those critical touchstones are still present on Lissie's third release, My Wild West. In some ways, nothing has changed. The album is filled with emotional songs, soaring vocals and undeniable spirit. Then there's the artist herself, for whom everything has changed. Early on, she found the strength to let go of the comfort of her Midwestern roots for the glittery allure of California's Promise. And while that promise may not have been entirely fulfilled, she clearly grew from it. She found love, and learned more about herself and the path that she chose to follow. Most impressively, she found an even deeper strength within herself: after 12 years, she bid farewell to California and bought a farm in Iowa. She listened to the voice inside. She followed her heart. It was clearly not an easy choice, and there were considerable emotional repercussions from such a bold move. This is the most valuable lesson of My Wild West.
To be sure, this is a beautiful album. This is the sound of experience and sacrifice. This is the sound of growing up, and all the brilliance and brutality that that process entails. Lissie has never been more expert in her ability to convey emotion. Her songwriting is only getting better and her voice has never been stronger. This is a wonderfully real story, and it's expertly told.
Pro tip: As good as Lissie is at crafting a song, you don't really have any idea just how strong her kung fu is until you see her live. If you go see her live at the Pantages Theatre on April 23, you won't be able to take your eyes off of her spellbinding performance.