Promised Land

Dar Williams | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 9, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Razor & Tie
• ASIN: B001C4ZQ4S
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,853 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

One of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of her generation, Dar Williams has been engaging audiences with her musical artistry since the early 1990s when she rose from the Northeast coffeehouse circuit to the national spotlight. Dar releases her first studio in 2008 after three years, Promised Land. Produced by Brad Wood (Pete Yorn, Liz Phair, Smashing Pumpkins), the album features 12 reflective songs that introduce a new Pop sound for Dar Williams. Lending support on the album are such renowned artists as Suzanne Vega and Marshall Crenshaw. Promised Land is sure to connect with Dar fans old and new. 'Williams infuses intelligent songwriting with comforting melodies.' - Relix. 'A new generation of pop-folk enthusiasts lauds her as one of the genre's central figures.'- Paste

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best Dar Album in a Couple of Years, September 20, 2008

By 

B. A. Chaney (Baltimore, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Promised Land (MP3 Download)

I'm a pretty big Dar Williams fan--I have all of her albums and I've seen her in concert a few times. I like Dar Williams because of her funny, storytelling folk rock style; for me her best songs are always the ones like "The Babysitter's Here", "Christians and the Pagans" and "Spring Street" which capture a narrative in song.

I was a disappointed by Dar's last album "My Better Self" which I thought lost some of her signature narrative style in favor of adult pop appeal. "Promised Land" brings that narrative style back. While its not quite as strong as it was in some of Dar's earlier albums, it is clearly there, taking you back to the old Dar. The album is enjoyable to listen to and sing-able like the best of Dar's work.

I would recommend this album to fan's of Dar William's older work. People who are only familiar with "My Better Self" may be surprised, but I think this album is still worth a listen.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's okay., October 14, 2008

By 

Chronos467 "Music aficionado" (Pelham, Alabama) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Promised Land (Audio CD)

I've been a fan of Dar's since the beginning. I purchased the Honesty Room before it was on Razor and Tie and I think her first three albums are some of the best albums of the nineties. However, unlike Diane Zeigler whose debut album came out around the same time as the Honesty Room and has remained consistent although not as prolific, Dar's work has gotten progressively less interesting. I still like it -- just not as much as I did.

I was excited when I read that she was working with producer Brad Wood and was going for a more pop sound on this record, but the results were more to the folk end of the spectrum. Don't get me wrong - I love folk music -- but this album was just not very interesting.

It's funny. When I got this record I popped it in my car player and one song really jumped out at me -- Troubled Times. I thought, "Wow. That's the best song that Dar has written in years. What a great melody." Then I read the liner notes and found out it was written by Collingwood and Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne. No wonder it had a great hook.

I don't dislike this album; I just don't like it that much either.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, February 7, 2009

By 

Keith Bickerstaffe "keithbickerstaffe" (Clearwater, Fl) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Promised Land (Audio CD)

I have been a fan since the early days. I had the pleasure of meeting her when she came to Tampa several years ago, opening for Patty Larkin. She visited a local record store to promote her appearance, singing two or three of her songs for me and five other people... I was enchanted, by her lyrics, her distinctive melodies and her delightful voice. In my opinion this is her strongest album since the 'babysitter' days; appealing both to her die-hard devotees and now to a wider audience of the more 'pop'-oriented enthusiasts. All the songs are strong, lyrically and melodically... the reasons for her success thus far. Highly recommended!