ALBUM REVIEW: Grace, Empathy, and Crys Matthews’ ‘Reclamation’

I don’t think any album could have better timing than Crys Matthews’ Reclamation. Matthews does not shy away from politics, as all too many artists have, nor does she shrink from naming specific social issues and crafting thoughtful songs about them. (We have let far too many artists get away with writing vague songs about “getting along” and “seeing each other” and calling those statements brave.) On Reclamation, Matthews furthers her signature knack for weaving together the personal and political with empathy, understanding, and bridge-building.

It helps that Matthews has enlisted some of the best artists – and the best souls – in her Nashville community: singer-songwriters Kyshona, Melody Walker, and Chris Housman, and musicians Megan Coleman, Megan Elizabeth McCormick, Ellen Angelico, Ryan Madora, Jen Gunderman, and Michael Majett. These artists’ love for Matthews’ songs and each other makes Reclamation a joyous and comforting experience. Heather Mae – Matthews’ partner and a singer and songwriter herself – generates gorgeous chemistry on love songs like “The Good Stuff.”

That combination allows Reclamation to represent Matthews’ many dimensions more than any of her previous albums. The album kicks off with “The Difference Between,” an exploration of the ways certain people (purporting to follow certain faiths) find ways to sow division and hatred even as they accuse those they disagree with of doing the same. With Matthews’ warm voice – never far from a smile – we can feel her anger, but also her conviction that people can change. That empathy allows “My Skin,” about Matthews’ experiences facing racism, to wedge a little further into your heart. (Kyshona’s backing vocals certainly help.) “Suit and Tie,” meanwhile, gracefully illustrates the battle trans and gender non-conforming people now face, while proclaiming Matthews’ own proud butch identity.

But not every struggle is, necessarily, a political one. “The Bigger Picture” is a song about building jigsaw puzzles, or her mother, or her life, depending on how you want to read it. “CA GA” is a lovely road song about the beautiful anguish of a long distance relationship. “Oklahoma Sunset” reminds us to appreciate the finer things about the people we come home to, as well as those around us.

By the time we arrive at “Waking Up the Dead,” Matthews’ meditation on the many abolition activists who never lived to see its promise, we have a portrait of Matthews as someone who is dedicated to the long, slow process of change. Her songs not only show us how the world could be, but also the patience and grace required to get us there, even when all seems lost.  

Crys Matthews’ Reclamation is out today.