Freedom Highway draws upon deep American traditions, and while its form may be a throwback, it speaks to a time when the phrase "Black Lives Matter" can be seen as controversial and, in doing so, it illustrates how these issues are deeply ingrained in American life and cannot be forgotten.
On Freedom Highway, Giddens juxtaposes historical narratives with present-day contexts for an emotionally powerful record.
Always ambitious, Americana/traditional folk artist Rhiannon Giddens uses Freedom Highway, her second solo album, for a contemporary end: tracing the roots of the #BlackLivesMatter movement from plantation property to today.
For those who see their own stories in Freedom Highway's laments, it will seem as if Giddens is content to gloomily reflect back to us our own experiences, but for those willing to see these songs as calls to action, the album is nothing short of inspiring.
On Freedom Highway, Rhiannon Giddens animates black American history – notably, the arduous journey from slavery to civil rights – in songs which pair her strong, sonorous delivery with arrangements echoing pre-blues minstrel music.
"Freedom Highway" reminds me of Hurray for the Riff Raff's "The Navigator" in that it's a politically relevant and bold, powerful statement that perhaps works better on paper than as a collection of songs. Rhiannon Giddens reclaims the Black roots of American folk music and uses them to channel both the struggle and empowerment of African Americans past and present. It's an important album that deserves to be heard, and Giddens deserves recognition for it. The only issue is ... read more
1 | At the Purchaser's Option 4:16 | |
2 | The Angels Laid Him Away 2:31 | |
3 | Julie 4:27 | |
4 | Birmingham Sunday 6:13 | |
5 | Better Get It Right the First Time 3:23 | |
6 | We Could Fly 4:52 | |
7 | Hey Bébé 3:19 | |
8 | Come Love Come 5:19 | |
9 | The Love We Almost Had 4:17 | |
10 | Baby Boy 4:28 | |
11 | Following the North Star 1:55 | |
12 | Freedom Highway 4:49 feat. Bhi Bhiman |
#9 | / | American Songwriter |
#13 | / | NPR Music |
#26 | / | Uncut |
#34 | / | PopMatters |
#36 | / | The Guardian |
#40 | / | Fopp |