Essence
by Lucinda Williams
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14

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  1. MikeT.
    Jul 11, 2001
    6
    This album gets more disappointing every time I play it. I keep waiting for something to happen in these predictable, claustrophobic songs, but nothing ever does. "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" this ain't, believe me.
  2. BrianM
    Mar 2, 2006
    4
    A gut wrenching torturous record that will make many wonder why music is in their lives at all. For the liife of me, I can't figure out why this music is in anyones life. One thing is clear, this music will encourage individuals to obstain from listening to music for long periods of time. Fundamentally, this is a waste of music from an otherwise gifted singer songwriter.

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best Album of 2001
84
#84 Most Discussed Album of 2001
62
#62 Most Shared Album of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Her folkiest, gentlest album, Essence is a steamy slow-crawl... [8 June 2001, p.74]
  2. Blender
    80
    Subduing the bright tinge of her country-flavored roots rock, Essence's acoustic musings mix Delta blues with Nick Drake-style nocturnal intimacy, while Williams's voice limits itself to a hushed drawl. [Jun/Jul 2001, p.102]
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    80
    By leaving her images blurry and her singing uncomplicated, Williams has found a way to capture the sound she hears in her head and obsesses over the recording process to find.
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