Dear America

FOLK BLUES

This excellent record from ex-pat Eric Bibb (who resides in Sweden) is a (tough) love letter to his native US. The moods range from somber to uplifting; the content is sometimes righteously angry, sometimes sweet, always thoughtful. America’s past and present racial divides are examined from various angles. Some impressive guests contribute. The enclosed booklet with lyrics, song notes, and photos is a nice addition. FCC clean

1 ** Light-hearted folk song about simple pleasures: music, soul food, lovin’. (3:35)
2 ** Mid-tempo R&B calls out men’s violence toward women. Terrific slide guitar. (3:50)
3 * Tough blues crawl. Things are not ok. Full band incl shredding lead guitar. (5:36)
4 ** Title song opens with famous MLK quote; then we’re asked, what will we do about America’s hypocrisies? and when will we make amends? Stunning. (3:49)
5 ** Soulful ballad contrasts scenes of Black life in America: “race riots”; milestones by musicians & athletes; drugs; the church. Has a hopeful refrain. (5:38)
6 Slow folk song about staying positive. Mix of acoustic & electric guitars. (2:55)
7 * Slow ballad. Reflecting on Emmett Till’s photos & what they still mean today. (3:13)
8 * Mixed tempos. Calls out our implicit biases. Stirring choral ending. (4:39)
9 Gentle folk song about resilience, forgiveness, and being good to yourself. (2:42)
10 Slow blues. Train song with various blues and folk references. Blues harp. (4:11)
11 Another train song, this one more metaphorical. Funky rhythm & horns. (4:07)
12 * Uplifting soul music w three great male voices. A real feel-good song. (4:57)
13 Slow love song. Terrific singing (especially from female guest) but too sappy. (3:17)