Product Review

Weather finds the eclectic songwriter expanding on her iconic style, a lush album of intimate songwriting. Produced by Grammy-winner Joe Henry (Aimee Mann, Solomon Burke, Ani DiFranco), Weather is the latest addition to Meshell's diverse catalog. A strikingly organic record, the album finds Meshell experimenting with the sparse, orchestral melodies paired with thoughtful lyrics, all performed by a band of fearsome musicians. The album opens with the title track 'Weather,' a spacey, soulful groove that sets the stage for the rest of the record. Tracks like 'Oysters' and her cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Chelsea Hotel' find Meshell constructing hushed ballads, centered around mournful piano. These tracks are juxtaposed with Meshell's defiant, soulful stomps on songs like 'Rapid Fire' and 'Dirty World.' The album also features all-star collaborations with the likes of Chris Connelly (ex-Revolting Cocks, Ministry), Benji Hughes, and Joe Henry.