Billy Bragg - Tooth and Nail (2013)

By iurgi -

Tooth and Nail is classic Billy Bragg but with a couple of different shades. Firstly, the political tones are still here, it wouldn't be him without politics, but they are subtler and the lyrics tend to be more intimate. Secondly, he continues his progression towards a more American sound. I don't like country music and there's a tinge of it here, but thankfully it works.

I wouldn't say the single (see the video below) is one of the best songs, but then again they hardly ever are. The album is packed with great songs but my particular highlights are the following. 

 January Song, the album opener, a beautifully succinct and personal song that sets the tone for the whole album. Handyman Blues, a great song with a beautiful guitar hook that will stay with you. Goodbye Goodbye, a beautiful, haunting and melancholic folk song that speaks from the heart. The Reckoning, a classic Billy Bragg political song with an upbeat, uplifting tone. And, finally, Tomorrow's Going to Be a Better Day closing the album.

Add to all this a Woody Guthrie cover of I Ain't Got No Home (following the trail of Mermaid Avenue albums with Wilco) and you have an album that is soothing and uplifting.

Rating: Heavy Rotation

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