Goodnight Tender

if you like songs like "salty south", "second time around," and "let it ring", you're going to get a good taste of that kind of rollicking, mandolin-playing amy on this record. also, you have the meditative ballad crooner of "cordova" and "rabbit's foot." take away some of the political edge of amy's other solo work, and throw in a little straight up country flavor a la loretta lynn and you have goodnight tender. although it's still fresh to me, judged by its own merits, it's clearly a very good record and i'm really loving it. i can see several of these songs going down as indispensable amy. someone needs to give amy ray an award for blending her special brand of soul with so many genres. in the first two records, amy created something that might be called southern garage punk. in the next two, she continues in that vein but dials back some of the punk influence and turns up her love of melody and more acoustic-inflected harmonies. although many great songs emerge from those records, i think a song like "crying in the wilderness" really captures a distinctly amy ray amalgamation, a high-mark achievement of those first four solo records. as a fan of amy's country-inflected stuff, like "gone again" "salty south" and others, i've been waiting for this record every since amy mentioned a few years ago she had songs for a country record. the record is still fresh, so it's hard to say whether it will resonate to the degree "lung of love" does,but it certainly holds its own among amy's oeuvre already. again, this record demonstrates her ability to honor a tradition and make it her own, blending elements of country, with that distinctly raucous, and to some degree restless, ray soul. i'm just so grateful she just keeps making music. ps. i would just add, there's a naturalist element to ray's songwriting i've always loved, coyotes, cut banks, berries ripening, moons waxing and waning, rains bringing you home, blackberrys in the sun, box turtles, and dogs all over the place. evidence of the natural world abounds, creating a sense of reverence to the bigger picture of life, to the spirit...

I heartily agree with the other reviews posted here. I own the entire oeuvre of the Indigo Girls and Amy Ray and they never disappoint when they release new music. "Goodnight Tender" is no exception - it's one of Amy's best albums to date. One thing that struck me as most beautiful is the vulnerability of Amy's voice on a couple songs from this album. You can particularly hear this departure from her usually strong voice on the song "Anyhow" and it's quite lovely and interesting. I have listened to "Goodnight Tender" over and over again since it arrived at my doorstep almost a month ago and I know it's going to be considered some of Amy's best material by all who love and appreciate her music. Can't wait to see her perform the songs from this album live in a few weeks! Beautifully done Amy!

In this latest Amy Ray album, you will find a sweet departure from her usual political stance, punk ethic, and a burning fire to right the wrongs in this world.The new album has mellow songs about relationships with her partner, the difficulties of being on the road, and domestic life. The sounds are rooted in "mountain" music...country, or bluegrass. I found it a delightful departure from Amy's usual work; but not straying too far from her folk roots. Any fan of Amy's would love this album, I am sure. Hope the next one is back to the "Righteous" Amy-trying to save the world, one soul at a time. Love this work, and hope you will give it a listen.

Amy Ray is on a short list of artists whose music I preorder as soon as I know it's coming out. "Goodnight Tender" is Amy's foray to the heart of country. There are some gems here. My favorite track is "Duane Allman" with its upbeat homage to this rock icon that has Amy on mandolin, Susan Tedeschi on background vocals and Jeff Fielder's smoking electric lead guitar, "With his song in the charts and his Harley flying through the air, he was just hitting his stride when the angels wept." "More Pills" is another delight with a lovely melody; Matt Smith's pedal steel gives it a classic country feel with Amy's aching vocals, "My heart, it breaks for you." "Broken Record" haunts with its lovely melody, "Looking for you baby or some kind of sign, but when I awake, I'm just snow blinded." This simply is a great song. I also love the breezy rant "My Dog." Perhaps an unusual choice is to have Heather McEntire sing lead on the last track "When You Come for Me," which Heather wrote. It's a gorgeous song. This is a strong set by a superb American artist. Enjoy!

This cd surprised me with it’s clear country roots. Amy Ray does it justice, with her soulful writing, singing & playing. Truely a gifted artist, as we Indigo Girl fans know. Worth the money and listening time.

Amy Ray can not go wrong as far as I'm concerned. This album is by far the best of her solo endeavors, and is sheer genius. Amy has finally delivered me a solo album that sings to me, and I encourage everyone to get on board for a wonderful album. Kudos to Amy for getting it out there, and kudos to all who listen to her steady heartfelt song. A true gem!!

Right off the bat, the first time I heard Indigo Girls I identified Amy's rich, deep voice from Emily's. I have her other solo albums as well as the Indigo Girls oeuvre, but this album has really resonated with me. I love bluegrass and folk music, and some rootsy country, and the songs on Goodnight Tender continue to touch my heart and soul, even as I start my 6th listening today.

I am enjoying this gem SO much! It is Amy stretching more into the Country Venue than she has in the past. and it is worth a look see! It is Amy all the way, and well done. I am sure you will love this. It's a must have for all Indigo and Amy Ray fans. You won't be disappointed!