Nancy Griffith - Hearts in Mind

Nanci Griffith is a highly skilled singer/songwriter who is loved by virtually all of her contemporaries. "Hearts In Mind" is a great example as to why she's as beloved as she is. This is one heck of an album that deserves to be heard.

There's a simple, beautiful grace to Nanci Griffith's music. While Nanci's often on the country music side of the fence, she can just as easily sing songs that are considered folk or "adult pop." It's that versatility that is showcased on "Hearts In Mind." Also, while a fine songwriter, Nanci's not above recording some songs written by her friends. In fact, she's recorded 4 songs her friends have written (which include Julie Gold).

On "Hearts in Mind" each songs tells a story, be it about Vietnam ("Heart Of Indochine"), poets Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes ("Back When Ted Loved Sylvia Plath," "Old Hanoi") or Nanci's parents ("Beautiful"). Love's also a subject and is discussed on great ballads like "Angels" and Julie Gold's "Mountain Of Sorrow." The latter song is actually about the love of one's home city, in particular New York and the aftermath of 9/11. It's one of the best "9/11/01" songs I've heard since Alan Jackson's "Where Were You." "Rise To The Occasion" is a beautiful duet between Nanci and kindred spirt Mac McAnally. It's a stunningly poignant ballad that says "we don't have to fall in love, just rise to the occasion."

Nanci Griffith may not be a "household" name in mainstream music but ask any singer/songwriter who she is and they'll instantly start gushing about her. "Hearts In Mind" is the first great release of 2005. I hope I can remember to include it on my best of 2005 list come December.