(Note: A 17-track version of the album - including three songs that did not make the cut of the standard CD - is available at Target stores as of this writing.)
In the simplest terms, Alison Krauss and Union Station have once again made an immaculate, blissfully crafted record with "Paper Airplane," their first studio release in over six years.
This may be the most notice a Krauss album gets - solo or with Union Station - thanks to the unprecedented success of "Raising Sand," her Grammy-guzzling 2007 collaborative effort with Robert Plant. Happily, this has not given rise to a more commercial sound. There is no noticeable alteration to the gorgeously textured bluegrass palettes or evergreen melodies that are by now synonymous with Krauss and Union Station.
The profoundly beautiful title track is buoyed gently by Krauss's honeysuckle voice, as is the calming lullaby of "Dimming of the Day." The overall sound of the album is more aggressive in tone and feel, however, exemplified by the haunting, pungent "My Love Follows You Where You Go" and "Sinking Stone," which just avoids country music cliches with its end-of-relationship goodbyes thanks to smart, thoughtful lyrics, buttery harmonies and, as always, intense, well-oiled instrumentation.
"Lie Awake," an examination of being stuck at a major crossroads, accentuates the album with a great deal of tension yet, as with quieter selections such as "Lay My Burden Down," the end result is intoxicating - a pleasure for the ears even without considering the lyrics.
Three selections are sung by Union Station member Dan Tyminski with control and a sincere, unstudied quality that is most pleasing. They keep the pulse of the listening experience invigorated and free-flowing. In fact, as a whole the album is a tight, fast-moving one that rounds the bend very quickly. It gives the intended effect and is gone.
Some will say that "Paper Airplane" does not offer insightful, provocative themes or new ground for Alison Krauss or Union Station, and while that is not incorrect that is also not a valid reason to be critical because track by track, the album is close to flawless. It is on par with the best of what these gifted musicians have offered us before, which says a lot. This is not music made for sales' sake but for the pleasure of real music making, and the results handsomely reflect that.
Beautiful. Serene. The imagery created in this album is as imaculate as the music found on it. Alison's ethereal, dream-like voice has never been better placed. Unique rhythms along with traditional bluegrass and country contributes to one of my favorite albums ever. What a gift. Buy this album. You will not regret it.
Alison is my favorite, but this album is not up to her usual standards. The only number on the CD that I bothered to rip for my MP3 player was "Dimming of the Day", which is really good. I should have downloaded that song and passed on the rest....
Read some of the initial reviews here which were mixed. Being a AKUS fan thought I'd give it a shot. 1st couple play throughs my impression was unenthusiastic. I wasn't sure if I liked the music. After listening a few more times I got hooked. This is a somewhat dark CD but the songs here portray the skill of the musicians. Several cuts are haunting and seem to stick with me such as "Sinking Stone". I keep on coming back as if addicted. No doubt, this album will have its place among the best of the year. It is "artistry". When considering much of the other music out there, this album is a break from the mediocrity found in many today's top albums. Recommended.
3 of the 6 'Bonus' tracks in this 'Deluxe' version were part of Alison's 2002 "Live" CD. You will be paying a HUGE premium for just 3 new tracks, not 6. (If you must have this edition, by it at Target.com. It's much cheaper there.)
