Bricks Against The Glass

Lori Lieberman is a musician that’s been in the business for quite some time, having arrived on her journey in the early 70’s till the late 80’s before taking a long hiatus and returning again in the 90’s. On this, “Throwing Bricks Against The Glass”, Lieberman’s latest effort, we get a mix of tracks that sound both vaulted and current as she expresses her life travels, lessons learned, and reflections through a contemporary feel.

I Couldn’t help but hear Joni Mitchell in the mix, as well as a serious nod to other serious 60’s hippy rockers. There’s no real overbearing political statement involved on the album aside from maybe Rise, which really can be attributed to any kind of hurdle in life, but the album does have a lot to say about love and heartache, a category that I’m easily bored with. It’s staple in pop music that I feel is designed to grab listeners attention through monotony. Fortunately Lieberman manages to make it a more grown up affair.

What I also loved about the album is the craftsmanship. For example, Rise has a very awesome breakdown towards the back end of the song that borders accapaella with a group male/female dynamic that is hauntingly beautiful and a step above. The musicians on the album are also experienced players who add a lot to the overall sound. You’ve got  Lyle Workman, (Beck, Sting), Jason Orne (Alanis Morisette), Ryan MacMillan (Matchbox 20), Timothy Drury (The Eagles), and mastered at Wisseloord Studios, Netherlands, by Grammy Award winner, Darcy Proper. Each musician brings their own contributions that only heighten the range and depth which Lieberman posses on the album as she allows herself to expose her soul while singing about life and love in a way that doesn’t come off manufactured.