Linda Thompson: Versatile HeartRounder: 8/14/2007
Despite the schmaltzy cover art, Versatile Heart is a darkly sad album. Though most of the songs were written by other people, there's a striking consistency in mood throughout. Thompson's sorrowful voice expresses all the facets of mourning expertly. She plays the roles of lonely aging mother, self-pitying drunkard, conflicted ex-lover, and ennui-ridden materialist so convincingly that she makes all the songs her own. Even the traditional "Katy Cruel," of which dozens of versions by as many artists have been released in the past two years, seems custom-made for Thompson. I have always had an affection for depressing music, which may explain why I find Versatile Heart so satisfying. It definitely ranks among the saddest albums of the year.
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