Shannon Stephens – The Breadwinner

Album Reviews • Tuesday September 8th, 2009 • 9:33 am

As pretty as it is raw and dreamy as it is chilled, Shannon Stephens’ sophomore album, The Breadwinner, produced by ex-Marzuki band mate Sufjan Stephens no less, is the follow-up to the widely unheard self-titled debut album released a whole ten years ago.

Amidst her songs on her love for God, the Seattle-based singer/songwriter also sings of daily chores, her husband, and being a mother, via intimate vocals, personalized lyrics and peaceful guitar work recorded in her living room (with covert art to prove it!). Despite the somewhat domestic recording and, to some extent, lyrics, The Breadwinner is far from lacking in professionalism or artistic value; Matthews believes every word she sings, and has confidence in the meaning of her songs – a confidence in her music not always been present.

The Breadwinner opens with “More to Speak Of,” utilizing a basic yet effective acoustic guitar line, relaxed drumming, and vocals that calm yet give the impression of a concealed power that could be employed at any given moment. The album continues in a similar fashion, with ten tracks (45 minutes) of acoustic-led, chilled-out folk – basically, acoustic guitar, piano, and country-esque drumming galore.

Neither overly exciting nor groundbreaking, but with still plenty to involve the listener, the songs present continue to grow with each listen. The Breadwinner would gladly accompany any relaxed excursion to a flowery meadow with book in hand and cider in reach. Songs are clearly well worked, honest and bare; everyone is invited with the aim of “creating a mental picture for another person that evokes an emotion.”

There are some downfalls, of course. Some tunes are driven by potentially angering religious beliefs, and some rare but definite cringeworthy moments appear: the cries of farm animals introducing “Hard Times Are Coming” and the odd lyric that a 20-something-year-old student may find uncomfortably sentimental. In the end, however, The Breadwinner wanes pleasant and poetic, worthy of a calming listen.

Tagged as: Country, Folk