Sophie B. Hawkins - The Crossing

  by Lisa Torem

published: 9 / 7 / 2012

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“When you lie, cheat and steal bury your own to make a deal,” sings songwriter Sophie Hawkins, in ‘Addiction’ with her earthy voice, she advises us “without a stitch of shame.” This opening soulful song is a great palette for her vibrant backing singers and untamed pipes. ‘The Crossing’ is her sixth recording. 'The Wilderness' was released in 2004, and the double set 'Bad Kitty Board Mix' in 2006, so it’s been a few years, but Hawkins hasn’t missed a beat. Her single ‘Damn I Wish I Were Your Lover’ on her debut 'Tongues and Tails' should have been a warning sign: This one’s for real. The spiritual ‘Sinnerman’ shows that Hawkins can carry a heavy load. “I run to the river/The river is bleeding”, “I run to the Lord/Can’t you see I’m praying…” The stark arrangement is comprised of a basic rhythm section with the addition of flugel horn. Her approach is unique; Hawkins simply met up with musicians, invited them over and literally played the process “by ear.” ‘The Land and the Sea and the Sky’ is a more easy-listening ballad, more commercial than the preceding tunes, but touching and gentle. ‘Georgia’ has a contemporary, upbeat pulse, yet could stand among Americana ballads of recent years. It is coloured by sweeping backing vocals, mournful lap steel and an unforgiving beat. ‘Missing’ and ‘Heart of a Woman’ allow Hawkins to express her soul bliss. “Love that is sublime/In ways you can’t define/That’s the heart and soul of a woman,” is the hook that encapsulates the sweetness she banks on. ‘Life is a River’ provides a welcome texture with strings and piano; it is a sacred coming-of-age song for people of all ages. ‘Miles Away’ also comes to life with keys. “I’m black and I’m blue and I’m wondering where are you.” Her phrasing recalls Bruce Springsteen, and the piano voicing is quite reminiscent of Joni Mitchell’s 'Blue' though Hawkins’ voice doesn’t always successfully hit the notes of her pretty melody. ‘I Don’t Need You’ is the wild card of the bunch, beginning with chaotic ramblings, and continuing with lyrics about unrequited love. ‘Gone Baby’ a stormy ballad, which Hawkins co-wrote with Mary Steenburgen has some killer lines like, “Sleepy head, wake up, wipe the whiskey from your eyes…” In ‘A Child’, Hawkins pens another precious line “I want a child whose little hands I hold in mind/Whose little voice I listen for till the end of time.” On ‘Dream St & Chance,’ she dishes out her jazz chops, her voice fading to a whisper at times, and it’s a lovely ride with a charming chord progression. ‘Red Bird’, both ambient and heartfelt, is one of the most beautiful tracks. ‘Little Red bird, I know you’re blue/Cause the black bird broke your wing.’ ‘Betcha Got A Cure For Me’ repeats in a longer version, allowing Hawkins to really give her all. ‘Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover’ feels a bit like Nyro. ‘As I Lay Me Down’ brings the collection to a lovely close. Hawkins is an excellent songwriter and singer, and she chooses exciting ideas for her craft, although her voice doesn’t consistently support her vision.

Track Listing:-

1 Betchya Got a Cure for Me (Single Version)
2 Sinner Man
3 The Land the Sea and the Sky
4 Georgia
5 Missing
6 Heart and Soul of a Woman
7 Life Is a River
8 Miles Away
9 I Don't Need You
10 Gone Baby
11 A Child
12 Dream Street and Chance
13 Red Bird
14 Betchya Got a Cure for Me (Long Version)
15 Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover (Acoustic Version)
16 Missing (Original Demo Version)
17 As I Lay Me Down (Acoustic Version)

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/sophiebhawkins.music/
http://sophiebhawkins.com/
https://twitter.com/therealsophieb
https://www.youtube.com/sophiebhawkins/
https://plus.google.com/100854400403161212880
https://www.instagram.com/therealsophieb/

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