Lucinda Williams has always been known for her thought-provoking lyrics and powerful voice, but at 73, the Americana legend is still pushing boundaries with urgency. Despite being diagnosed with a stroke that forces her to take care when stepping on and off stage, she radiates resolve as soon as she's behind the mic.
Williams' latest album, World's Gone Wrong, has landed her in Belfast, where her sold-out show at the Limelight was unexpectedly rescheduled from Mandela Hall. The crowd is unusually calm for a venue known for its energetic atmosphere, but Williams brings her signature intensity to the performance.
The title track, which shares its name with her latest album, serves as a searing protest song that showcases Williams' writing authority. Her harmonies lock in with Marc Ford's blues lines, played on slide guitar with slow-bend elegance, creating a sense of urgency without overwhelming her phrasing. Brady Blade's cymbals add a shimmering effect, tilting the music skyward.
Williams' ability to transform everyday moments into charged intimacy is on full display in songs like Right in Time and Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, where smell and radio become potent triggers for memory. Her latest protest songs may feel similar, but Williams convincingly argues that these issues need attention and relief.
The show comes to a rousing close with a cover of Neil Young's Rockin' in the Free World, which turns the room into a bellowed sing-along. Even when she hesitates, caught off guard by her mistake about being in Dublin instead of Belfast, Williams is met with forgiveness from the crowd.
In short, Lucinda Williams remains an essential voice in Americana music, using her unique perspective to address pressing issues and connect with audiences through her powerful voice and determined spirit.
Williams' latest album, World's Gone Wrong, has landed her in Belfast, where her sold-out show at the Limelight was unexpectedly rescheduled from Mandela Hall. The crowd is unusually calm for a venue known for its energetic atmosphere, but Williams brings her signature intensity to the performance.
The title track, which shares its name with her latest album, serves as a searing protest song that showcases Williams' writing authority. Her harmonies lock in with Marc Ford's blues lines, played on slide guitar with slow-bend elegance, creating a sense of urgency without overwhelming her phrasing. Brady Blade's cymbals add a shimmering effect, tilting the music skyward.
Williams' ability to transform everyday moments into charged intimacy is on full display in songs like Right in Time and Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, where smell and radio become potent triggers for memory. Her latest protest songs may feel similar, but Williams convincingly argues that these issues need attention and relief.
The show comes to a rousing close with a cover of Neil Young's Rockin' in the Free World, which turns the room into a bellowed sing-along. Even when she hesitates, caught off guard by her mistake about being in Dublin instead of Belfast, Williams is met with forgiveness from the crowd.
In short, Lucinda Williams remains an essential voice in Americana music, using her unique perspective to address pressing issues and connect with audiences through her powerful voice and determined spirit.
I'm literally blown away by Lucinda's performance! She totally owned that stage despite the setback 
. Her voice is still SO strong & emotive, it gives me chills every time 
. And that title track "World's Gone Wrong" is like, so raw & honest 
. It's amazing to see her using her platform to speak out on important issues - we need more people like Lucinda who are unafraid to use their voice 
. I mean, even when she messed up the city name 
, the crowd was still all about her love for her music 
. Can't wait to listen to the rest of World's Gone Wrong again! 
I'm utterly fascinated by Lucinda Williams' unwavering resolve and artistic prowess despite her physical limitations. Her latest album, World's Gone Wrong, is a testament to her remarkable ability to craft thought-provoking lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. The fact that she can transform everyday moments into charged intimacy through song is truly remarkable.
73 and still going strong? That's just not realistic. She must have some serious team behind her to make sure she doesn't mess up on stage. And what's up with the crowd being so chill in a venue like Limelight? Don't get me wrong, Lucinda Williams is a legend and all, but I'm not convinced this show was as perfect as it sounds 
she's 73 but still killing it on stage!! i was at the limelight show in belfast and it was SO intense 
the crowd was really calm for a change, but lucy brought the heat 
her harmonies with marc ford's slide guitar are EVERYTHING 
definitely check out her latest album world's gone wrong it's like... wow 
And can we talk about her voice?! 
That energy in the room was ELECTRIC!!! 
️ And those harmonies?! Swoon 
Marc Ford's slide guitar is EVERYTHING. I need to go listen to her new album NOW. Like, seriously, if you haven't checked it out yet... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! 
. And what's up with Lucinda Williams' mistake about being in Dublin instead of Belfast? Was that just an honest mistake, or was she being told to say one thing when the crowd didn't want to know the truth? 
It's all a bit suspicious, if you ask me... 
. And can we talk about her vocals? She still has that effortless, emotive quality that just sends shivers down your spine 
they were all so calm which is weird 4 a venue like limelight but lucinda just brought this sense of urgency & connection w/ her music u can tell she's not just singin' 4 herself but for everyone there too 
. She's still got this amazing ability to tap into everyday moments and make them feel really intimate and relatable. And let's be real, who can resist a good protest song every now and then? 
), just shows how much respect and love the crowd has for her. Let's give it up for Lucinda - she's still got it! 
i'm obsessed with her new album world's gone wrong, gotta get my hands on it ASAP