"The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams:" An Artist Reimagined

When country artist Hank Williams died in 1953 at the age of 29, he not only left a definite impact on the country music industry, but he also left behind several notebooks with lyrics scribbled all over the pages, lyrics that were never recorded or performed during Williams' life. "The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams" is a compilation of those songs interpreted by popular artists of today who were inspired by Williams, including Alan Jackson, Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow and Norah Jones. The twelve tracks not only reveal more of WIlliams' songwriting talents but also convey the timelessness of his music. The themes weaved into his lyrics are easy to relate to for anyone who has loved and lost. The various artists featured on the album achieve an emotional tone that Williams most likely would have breathed into the songs as well.

"Angel Mine," performed by Sheryl Crow, is a slow, delicate love ballad seasoned with sweet lines, such as "I could never tell the world, dear, of your love, so true and kind." The tune is accented with the gentle sounds of a mandolin and a muted trumpet. Its melody is trance-like, making this song a beautiful success of the compilation. Listen to it here:



Another winner on the album is Jakob Dylan's "Oh, Mama, Come Home," which bares the more tormented side of Williams' lyrical content. The sternness of Dylan's voice reveals his determination to get his woman back, which, in turn, gives the song attitude. Those who lack an interest in country music yet love a sad song every once in a while should listen to this track.

Jack White's rendition "You Know That I Know" quivers with the pains of love, White's vibrato shaking misery into the lyrics. While it is more upbeat in comparison to some of the other tracks, it still delivers the same haunting solemnity. The emotion that White expresses while singing,"You may fool the rest of this world, but you know that I know" causes the listener to feel cornered by the lyrical content. Williams was not about to be made a fool by the female in question, and White is able to get that message across to the listener.

"The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams" boasts a talented array of voices and also shares more of Williams' poetry in an updated way that stays true to Williams' heartbroken style.

Buy "The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams" here.

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