It's been about six years since Patty Griffin's last album of all original material. She recorded a collection of gospel songs in 2010, but American Kid is really the type of album fans have been waiting for since 2007's Children Running Through. Where the voice and the music feel so comfortable and familiar, Griffin branches out a bit on American Kid working with some new folks. Recorded down in Memphis, Griffin recruited the Dickinson brothers, Cody & Luther of the North Mississippi All-Stars to play with her. Both are featured on the majority of the track list including the album's lead single "Ohio" which also features Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant. Plant had recruited Griffin to record and tour with him as part of his Band of Joy. He returns the favor by adding his vocals to three songs on American Kid, including "Faithful Son" and "Highway Song."

Where much of the album deals with the loss of Griffin's father, American Kid does its best to avoid dark and depressed territory. Where songs like "Not a Bad Man" and "Wild Old Dog" sit as thoughtful, somber moments we find a balance in songs like "Go Wherever You Wanna Go" and even a little light humor on the fun shuffle "Get Ready Marie," a song about Griffin's grandparents.

~ Mike Vasilikos

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