[CD Review] MARTHA WAINWRIGHT – Come Home To Mama

martha wainright

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