Chris Smither - Up On The Lowdown

Review by Tamera Brickl

Up On The Lowdown, the 1995 album by American blues and folk singer-songwriter Chris Smither, is a masterpiece of understated yet powerful acoustic guitar playing and heartfelt, poetic lyrics. With his raspy, weathered voice and impeccable fingerpicking, Smither explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition with a wisdom and wit that belie his age.

The album opens with the hauntingly beautiful "Link of Chain," a song about the ties that bind us to our past and our loved ones, and the struggle to break free from them. From there, Smither takes us on a journey through the ups and downs of life, from the mournful "No Love Today" to the hopeful "Slow Surprise," from the bittersweet "Caveman" to the wryly humorous "Can't Shake These Blues."

Throughout it all, Smither's guitar playing is nothing short of mesmerizing, with intricate fingerpicking patterns and soulful slide guitar riffs that perfectly complement his lyrics. And his voice, though weathered and gravelly, is full of warmth and emotion, conveying the depth and complexity of his songs with a raw honesty that is impossible to fake.

Summary by Tamera Brickl

Up On The Lowdown is a true gem of an album, one that showcases Chris Smither's incredible talent as a songwriter, guitarist, and performer. Whether you're a fan of blues, folk, or simply great music, this is an album that deserves a place in your collection.