Kathleen Edwards – Billionaire Album Review
Kathleen Edwards Finds Her Voice Anew: A Decade of Reflection Culminates in ‘Billionaire‘
Kathleen edwards, the Canadian singer-songwriter whose raw, honest lyrics and distinctive voice captivated audiences in the early 2000s, is back, and she’s singing with a newfound power and vulnerability. After a near decade-long hiatus, edwards has returned with Billionaire, an album that showcases not only her evolved vocal talent but also a deeper understanding of herself and her craft.
The journey to Billionaire wasn’t easy. Edwards, known for her alt-country and folk-rock sound, found herself struggling during the tour for her 2012 album, Voyageur. The relentless pace took its toll, leaving her voice strained and forcing her to cancel shows. As she recounted to The New Yorker in 2020, it was a “horrible episode” that prompted a necessary reevaluation. Advised to ease her grip on her instrument, Edwards ultimately relinquished her grip on music altogether.
Her return in 2020 with Total Freedom marked a new chapter, but Billionaire truly feels like a revelation.The album,co-produced by Jason Isbell and Gena Johnson,is a polished update to her earlier sound,with Edwards’ voice taking center stage. It’s a voice that has aged beautifully, imbued with a magnetism reminiscent of k.d. lang and mary chapin Carpenter.
On tracks like “Little Red ranger,” where she reconnects with a childhood friend, and “FLA,” a nostalgic ode to Florida, Edwards’ vocal inflections paint vivid pictures, revealing characters and context with subtle grace. It’s a delight to hear her embrace the full potential of her voice, using it as a tool for storytelling and emotional expression.
The title track, ”Billionaire,” is a standout, a poignant reflection on loss and the enduring power of love. Edwards’ voice climbs the chorus like a vine reaching for sunlight, conveying the immensity of grief with breathtaking vulnerability. The arrangement, featuring Isbell’s electric guitar, violin, and viola, builds to an emotional crescendo, pushing Edwards closer to the kind of cathartic release often found in Brandi Carlile’s music.
Unlike the composed nature of Total Freedom, Billionaire feels more lived-in, more authentic. Isbell’s guitar work adds depth and texture to the songs, pushing tracks like “Say Goodbye, Tell No One” and “need a Ride” past the six-minute mark. His collaboration with Edwards, previously showcased in a fragile rendition of his song “Traveling Alone,” proves to be a perfect complement to her evolving sound.
Billionaire is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a testament to edwards’ resilience and her unwavering commitment to her craft. It’s an album that invites listeners to reflect on thier own experiences with love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit. With Billionaire, Kathleen Edwards has not only found her voice again but has also discovered a new level of artistry and emotional depth.