Freedom's Child - Billy Joe Shaver

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Reviewed by Kathy Coleman

When Billy Joe Shaver decides he's going to do something, he just does it. When it has something to do with music, he does it exceptionally well. His newest release on Compadre Records, Freedom's Child, shows just that, and does so admirably well.

Billy Joe Shaver remains one of the greatest songwriters in country music history. With the passing of Harlan Howard this year, it is possible the title of "poet laureate" has passed to Shaver, who stands with ease amongst such luminary peers as Tom T. Hall and Kris Kristofferson. He's written songs for country legends from Bobby Bare to Waylon Jennings; Jennings' breakout album Honky Tonk Heroes was written almost completely by Shaver.

But Shaver is a passionate performer, as well.

His songs have a glory to them, a great and timeless simplicity that makes them Americana in its purest form, and country in every sense of the word. With a voice that is rich in its rugged imperfection, Billy Joe Shaver sings those brilliant words directly from the depths of a heart that has lived a hard life, a life torn by personal mistakes and real human losses, but one that has survived and somehow come out with a smile, able to look at the good things that have happened. Freedom's Child is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. Powerful lyrics blended with delicious music and sung with that oh-so-true voice, and it's no wonder this album has already been awarded the "Best Americana Recording of 2002."

With straightforward frankness, Shaver gives us his life's story and his opinions in these songs, opinions in the heartbreaking "That's Why The Man in Black Sings the Blues" and fiercely true "Freedom's Child"; his life in "We," "Corsicana Daily Sun," and the deeply poignant "Day By Day." He captures his own childhood, as well as all America, with the line, "When that sweet smell of youth was mixed with Grandma's apple pie/ what I'd give for a slice of yesterday/When that warm light came splashing 'cross those clovered fields of time/ and that Corsicana daily sun was shining bright for me."

Very few artists open themselves up with this much frank honesty, but Shaver has lived too long and through too much to worry about it. He has nothing to hide, and is delighted to share with anyone who likes his songs. There is simply so much here to like, you can't help but admire the man as well as his music. It's more real than reality, as much a slice of America as "grandma's apple pie."

Song List:

1. Hold On To Yours (And I'll Hold On To Mine)
2. Freedom's Child
3. That's Why The Man In Black Sings The Blues
4. Honey Chile
5. Good Ol' U.S.A.
6. Day By Day
7. Corsicana Daily Sun
8. That's What She Said Last Night
9. Drinkin' Back
10. We
11. Wild Cow Gravy
12. Deja Blues (w/Todd Snider)
13. Magnolia Mother's Love
14. Bonus track: Merry Christmas To You