You’d hope an artist with a career as full as Soozie Tyrell’s would have more than a single solo album to her credit, but if we only get one, at least it’s a great one.
Released in 2003, White Lines highlights not just Soozie’s musicianship–we already knew about that–but also her powerful songwriting. Drawn from her own life experiences, Soozie’s songs range from contemplative to declarative but all anchored by her finally-out-in-front vocals and trademark violin.
The album leads off with its title track, one of two songs on the album to feature a Springsteen contribution. (See “Ste. Genevieve” for the other.)
It’s easy to see why this song in particular might have attracted Bruce: with its road metaphor and childhood reminiscences, it’s tailor-made for him.
Bruce’s lead guitar is present throughout but never so prominent in the mix that he distracts. You’ll notice him the most in between the verses as he carries us forward in years to the next chapter of the narrator’s story.
For more background on White Lines and Soozie herself, take a listen to this rare radio interview with her from 2003.
White Lines
Recorded: May 2002
Released: White Lines (2003)
Never performed
