Review By Chris Nowling: After a consistently impressive start to any career, an artist tends to earn enough goodwill to try something different; a concept album, an unusual collaboration or new genre, for instance. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should, and for every successful foray into the previously unexplored there have been innumerable disasters. Granted, when you consider the dependably fantastic Patty Griffin’s latest effort, a gospel record fittingly labeled Downtown Church, it doesn’t seem so removed from her previous works (especially her last album, 2007’s wonderful Children Running Through). Her country-folk straddling aesthetic and continuing progression as a singer would seem to lend itself somewhat to gospel music, but there are still risks associated with her taking an album in a direction that many might see as alienating or easy to dismiss as an indulgent gimmick.

Fortunately, Griffin’s sixth studio record is not only a successful take on this classic genre, but shows clear signs of further growth from an singer/songwriter whose work has been defined by continual progression and improvement. Griffin went about making this album all the right ways, paying homage to traditional gospel artists and styles while retaining her familiar musical personality. So while she explores some new (for her anyway) territory here, she avoids removing herself from what made her such a special talent to begin with. Recorded, like the title suggests, in a Presbyterian church in downtown Nashville, Griffin’s latest and sixth effort is a fantastic collection of covers, traditional numbers, and a couple originals—all of which are beautifully presented with the help of guests like Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, and producer Buddy Miller.

It should be said that Downtown Church, while obviously dealing with mostly Christian themes throughout its 14 songs, isn't meant just for the faithful. While believers may fall more deeply for the record than others, if you've got any interest in the origin of blues, soul and country music—where  gospel music played such a significant role—you should find plenty to pique your interest. Because what comes across loud and clear on the album is Griffin and company's genuine love of and reverence for the album's musical and thematic elements. Of which there are many: ranging from the fire 'n' brimstone stomp of "Death's Got a Warrant" to peaceful country ballads like "Never Grow Old." Each performance feels carefully considered, while the production allows plenty of the open chapel space into the music, resulting in an appropriately raw, unpolished feel.

Highlights include a gorgeous and moving duet with Harris ("Little Fire"), a bluesy collection of Bible stories (“The Strange Man”) and the unexpectedly brash "I Smell a Rat," which allows Griffin to showcase the grittier side of her voice, whipping around lines like "you won't tell me where you been, whiskey running all down your chin" with pure venom. Griffin herself only penned two of these tracks (the aforementioned "Little Fire" and the yearning "Coming Home to Me"), but she owns Downtown Church by resisting a "gospel by the numbers" kind of record, instead crafting one that views faith ambiguously and isn't afraid to have some fun with the material. Still, it's the company she keeps that should be given generous credit for their role in making a varied and consistently wonderful record most anyone can relate to or at least appreciate on some level—regardless of their beliefs. As Griffin closes with the sparse, stirring hymn "All Creatures of Our God and King" (a favorite of mine, I'll admit), Griffin leaves us with a tangible impression of the power of spirituality, faith, and devotion, and it would be a hard heart indeed that isn't warmed by such a sincerely thoughtful message.

Last Word: Patty Griffin’s sixth album explores gospel themes and classic country and blues styles with superb results, and furthers Griffin’s progress as a singer and genuine artistic talent.

Review By:
Chris Nowling

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