With Natural Forces, Lyle Lovett breathes new life in the western swing/jazz fusion that has held him in good stead for years.   The heart of his music is still poetic songs about everyday people which match his dry voice with elegantly lush arrangements.  However, Lyle draws back some on the gospel and blues influences which have infused his music lately and returns to the simpler, more country ballads that were a hallmark of his 90’s work  The result is a stirring and vibrant reminder of why Lyle Lovett stands out in a large crowd of legendary Teas singers.

Natural Forces opens with the Lovett penned title track, in which he laments “I am subject to natural forces/my home is where my horse is.”  It is a fitting and proper warning that Lovett is taking us on a trip through a variety of Texas songwriters, including him.  Purist may decry the lack of original material, but the covers are good hands with Lovett.  His rendition of Townes Van Zandt’s Loretta is simply stunning.  Only “Its Rock and Roll,” which Lovett himself wrote with Robert Earle Keen seems out of place, but it is still worth it if only for the line “The one you hate the most is the newest up and comer/and the one you love the most just ran off with your drummer.”  However, he does save a few places on the album for that famous Texas songwriter Lyle Lovett and his “Empty Blue Shoes” is one of the best songs on the album.  Lovett even includes a track co-penned by his girlfriend April Kimble, although the bonus track acoustic version of Pantry works better than the original. 

Lyle Lovett’s music is as simple and appetizing as the down home cooking Texas he references.  Natural Forces comes together like a good old fashioned family potluck.   He blends together a perfect mixture of traditional and new ingredients and invites a group of friends over for an unforgettable event.

Listen to the album below:

You can support Lyle Lovett by purchasing this album at iTunes | Amazon.