Evocative as ever, Martha Wainwright’s third studio album, Come Home to Mama, is an emotionally charged, poetic record that showcases Wainwright’s vocals over simple melodies, designed by producer Yuka C Honda of Cibo Matto. The Canadian songstress sings of love, loss, heartbreak and her unique take on life, and from the opening track, ‘I am Sorry,’ a dark ballad about marriage, it is clear very little is off limits. ‘Radio Star’ moves from a fast-paced pop song to a slow, emotional drawl, finishing with an offbeat rock sound. Slow, hung on simple piano and strings, with a backing choir, ‘Prosperina’ is a standout, giving us a taste of Wainwright’s obscure yet hauntingly beautiful sound, as she calls the listener “home to mama”, creating a sense of intimacy reflected in the psychedelic cover art, which features a nude Wainwright. Come Home To Mama is an impressive collection of songs from a fascinating artist.
Indochine
4.5/5
Reviewer: Mark Henderson