Children Running Through
ATO

Patty Griffin has always had that timeless quality— a voice unique in strength and range and an innate ability to embody her excellently crafted songs. Children Running Through, her latest, is truly a personal triumph. Starting with the sublime “You’ll Remember Me,” a smoldering lament accompanied by a deep bassline and brushed drums, Griffin delivers a voice burning with intensity. “Stay on the Ride” is Griffin’s Bonnie Raitt level best—a bluesy narration of an old man on a bus. Throughout CRT, Griffin alternates between time-in-place stories, cathartic personal releases and political anthems. Produced by Griffin and Spoon’s Mike McCarthy, the focus is squarely on Griffiin’s voice but the production is excellent, the accompaniment often building in perfect unison with Griffin’s climaxing vocals, exemplified on “Up to the Mountain “(MLK Song),” a chilling tribute sprinkled with processional/ gospel influences. Never afforded the stature she deserves, Griffin with CRT reinforces the fact that she is clearly one of the best female vocalists in the business. Tyson Schuetze

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