Ani DiFranco - Red Letter Year

Genre rock Publisher Righteous Babe Records

Ani DiFranco’s latest release Red Letter Year could be in reference to a number of things in DiFranco’s life: the birth of her baby daughter Petah, the political climate change of an election year, or perhaps something else only close friends and lovers would know. It’s a mix of emotions. Whatever it may be, DiFranco finds things to celebrate in song. Partner Mike Napolitano co-produced the record, and appearances are made by Katrina-afflicted musicians like the Rebirth Brass Band and guitarist C.C. Adcock. 

With the idea of the record being about motherhood and/or politics, many of the songs start to take sides on one side of that fence or the other. The title track “Red Letter Year” leans towards the latter, with references to “a man with a monkey for a face” who “whistles Dixie” that aren’t hard for the listener to interpret whatever their political affiliations are. Followed by “Alla This,” a track with some great strings and vibraphone arrangements, DiFranco doesn’t stray from her roots in liberal and feminist thought. “The Atom” is another politically-toned song, though DiFranco sounds more like she’s standing on the proverbial soapbox than trying to produce art. While music and politics frequently mix, some of DiFranco’s convictions could have benefited from a more veiled presentation.

The tone shifts with “Present/Infant,” decidedly about her newborn child. Thoughts and ruminations on becoming a mother and the idea of humanity are presented in a rather lovely and humbling fashion. A later track, “Landing Gear,” is another mommy song, this time a kind of funny little lullaby to her (then) unborn baby. She asks her “little bag of sugar” to come join the world. Parenthood wroughts changes on a person, and DiFranco does her best to describe them to both her audience and her offspring.

Another more traditional theme shows up as well: the token love songs. But DiFranco’s love songs aren’t the sugary-sweet things listeners hear all the time. Hers are more honey-sweet that satisfy rather than insatiate. “Smiling Underneath” and especially “Way Tight” talk of the more everyday aspects of love. They are the more grounded love songs of a person who has seen the best and worst of the world and is grateful for stability rather than a torrid love affair.

All that being said, DiFranco’s Red Letter Year doesn’t grab the listener and hold fast. While there are some excellent riffs and well-crafted lyrics, the album passes without taking a stand or making a lasting impression. The exception might be “Emancipated Minor,” another autobiographical song with more of a punch than the surrounding tracks. It also has a vibe that’s more late-80’s/early-90’s than the rest, which also sets it apart. 

There is no doubt that Ani DiFranco is a wonderfully prolific songwriter, and the mouthpiece of not just a generation but also a political standpoint. She has gained new insights with her life changes, and does her best to express them. Her latest offering may not quite hold up next to others in her catalog, but it doesn’t fail, either.