Kris Kristofferson,
This Old Road



Label: New West Records

(4½ out of 5)

Kris Kristofferson is many things: an intellectual, a radical, a free-spirit, an outlaw — he's all these and more. Times have changed over his nearly 70 years, and he's certainly changed with the times. But there's at least one thing that's stayed the same: Kristofferson has always remained true to himself, trying to live in accord with his beliefs. On This Old Road, his first studio album in more than a decade, Kristofferson reflects on his life, his family, his country — and examines how life thus far stacks up to the values he treasures.

With the help of producer Don Was, Kristofferson has crafted a gorgeously lo-fi affair. Most songs consist of Kristofferson accompanied by Stephen Bruton on guitar and vocals, with Jim Keltner adding drums and Was contributing some bass and piano support. The stripped-down instrumentation deflects attention to the lyrics delivered via Kristofferson's gravelly yet authoritative vocals.

The album opens with a near-Proustian rumination on the passage of time. The title track (listen) asks where the years have gone, a theme further developed on "Pilgrim's Progress" (listen), perhaps the album's strongest track: Am I young enough to believe in revolution / Am I strong enough to get down on my knees and pray. "The Last Thing to Go" (listen) assures us that love endures, despite fleeting time.

The next set of songs examines free will. "Wild American" (listen) pays tribute to John Trudell and other musicians who stay true to their beliefs (Heroes happen when you need them). "In the News" (listen) takes a more sober view, with the Laci Peterson murder and the war in Iraq creating a sense of dismay: How'd this happen, what went wrong. "The Burden of Freedom" (listen) explores the space between heroes and villains, and how free will is both a blessing and a curse.

Destruction and creation are at the heart of the next two songs. The rakish "Chase the Feeling" (listen) looks at the dangerous allure of drugs: It takes one to know one, baby / I know how it feels … Let it right on in there, baby / Let it run your life / Let it run your children off / And let it run your wife. If vices are destructive, then "Holy Creation" (listen) argues that love — in both its carnal and spiritual forms — is constructive.

The three closing songs serve as an appreciative finale. "The Show Goes On" (listen) acknowledges that times have changed, but exhibits no regrets: It was all so easy then / We could do no wrong / We'll never be the same again / But the show goes on. "Thank You for a Life" (listen) thanks creator and family for ongoing support. "Final Attraction" (listen) extends the thank-yous to artists like Willie Nelson, Mickey Newbury, and Waylon Jennings — all willing to bare their souls to those who treasure their music.

Kristofferson explores the full spectrum of human emotion from wonder to horror, and he does so without ever coming across as preachy or judgmental.

This Old Road is a consistently fascinating reflection on life, family, art, and love.

March 21, 2006