Mary Gauthier
Album: Trouble & Love
Label: Proper
Tracks: 8
Website: www.marygauthier.com

Trouble and Love is revered Texas troubadour Mary Gauthier's first recording in four years. Long awaited by her fans and musical peers, it features eight new tracks, all written, or co written by Gauthier. The album was produced by Gauthier and Patrick Granado.

Mary Gauthier has never been renowned for singing happy songs; Trouble and Love continues where the others left off, with songs of heartbreak and hurt. From some people, the CD could become too sad, too depressing; delivered by Mary Gauthier, with her lyrics and that distinctive, almost gravelly vocal, the CD becomes a work of art.

Stand out tracks include How You Learn to Live Alone, a co write with her friend, fellow singer songwriter Gretchen Peters, which also made an appearance on ABC's Nashville series.

It is completely relatable, yet demonstrates that yes, we can move on from heartbreak. Walking Each Other Home, tells a story, but takes the listener through so many emotions, through to redemption by the song's conclusion. Another Train, Oh Soul and Worthy are just exquisite.

I have heard Mary Gauthier's music described as many things over the years; emotive, depressing, hopeful, lyrical, engaging, inspiring, and many more. All of these are evident throughout Trouble and Love. Perhaps not a CD you would play often, it is however, one you would turn to when it suits your mood or you need to hear and be reassured by the messages buried within it.

Helen Mitchell