These Wilder Things is Ruth Moody’s second solo release; she is also one of the founding members of the Juno Award-winning trio The Wailin’ Jennys. Moody has some heavy hitters backing her up, including Mark Knopfler, bluegrass great Jerry Douglas, guitar whizz Kevin Breit and fellow Jennys Nicky Mehta and Heather Masse. The album showcases Moody’s rich soprano voice and skill for crafting some of the best folk and country roots music around—the songs are gentle, poetic, and heartfelt. The only non-original song on the album is a wonderfully melodic cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark.” The album has a uplifting and uncluttered feel. Moody’s voice is always on top and the mix includes a range of instruments, including cello and horns. Listening to These Wilder Things will fill your spirit with hope and warmth. The album’s closing lyric sums it up nicely: “We’ve got nothing without love.”
[rating:4]
-Gerald Graham
