Lucinda Williams - "World’s Gone Wrong" : Her new release

US politics and mainstream music have largely drifted apart since the protest-song peak of the 1960s, with only a handful of notable exceptions such as Bruce Springsteen’s Born In The USA and Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. Unlike artists who later faced backlash for political statements, Lucinda Williams comes from a deeply rooted tradition of political awareness, shaped both by her family background and her early exposure to protest movements.

World’s Gone Wrong stands as a fierce and unambiguous critique of Trump-era America, featuring blunt, confrontational lyrics often co-written with her husband, Tom Overby. Musically, the album reflects changes in her band, with Doug Pettibone and Marc Ford providing a solid twin-guitar foundation, though the absence of longtime collaborator Stuart Mathis removes some of the tension and spontaneity that once defined her sound.

The album prioritizes direct social commentary over the wounded, deeply personal introspection that characterized much of Williams’ earlier work. This makes the songs well suited to live electric performances but less likely to inspire cover versions from other artists. Guest appearances are mixed in impact, ranging from strong contributions by Brittney Spencer and Norah Jones to a less convincing reggae-tinged cover featuring Mavis Staples.

Despite questions about its musical direction, World’s Gone Wrong is a bold political statement and may prove to be a landmark in Lucinda Williams’ career. Whether it represents a one-off or signals a lasting shift toward a more forceful, straightforward style remains to be seen, but it is a path she has undeniably earned the right to choose.