Merchant at home with 'Motherland'

When I bought Natalie Merchant's solo debut, Tigerlily, I hadn't previously made such a smart music purchase. The lyrics are filled with meaning -- the voice, so unusual and captivating. Before Tigerlily, Merchant's voice was the best part of 10,000 Maniacs. Embarking on a solo career was a wise move for her.\nOphelia, while not as strong as her debut, is pleasing to the ear. Merchant's voice has a hollow quality that gradually fills as she carries out the notes. She releases a thick sound effortlessly, bringing further meaning to the lyrics that she so eloquently wrote.\nMerchant's third album, Motherland, offers listeners a different side. The album opens with "This House is On Fire," a song with Merchant's voice sounding darker then both previous albums. String instruments bring the piece's tone up a little, complementing Merchant's vocal style well.\nThe title track is a ballad full of love and compassion. Listen to the words; they speak of a home to look to for salvation and comfort.\n"Saint Judas" slowly rocks with a steady drum beat before the bass comes in, filling out the music. The twangs of a banjo can be heard accompanying Merchant's passionate voice. As she sings of a "back-stabbing brother" in her upper register, her voice loses steam. She redeems herself with the harmonies she creates with Mavis Staples, making this a stand-out track.\nMerchant comes off somewhat sexy with a sultry sound in "Put The Law on You," threatening a lover for doing her wrong. In "Build a Levee," Merchant sings like she does in her hit single "Wonder" from Tigerlily, but with a more matured sound. \nHer solo career seems to have enhanced Merchant's talent, giving her more freedom to exhibit her range. The molasses-thick quality of her songs is also something different from previous albums. While her unique sound is the same as when she was in 10,000 Maniacs, it is richer now, more filled out and less breathy. \nIn "Golden Boy," and "Henry Darger," Merchant sounds vulnerable and weak. Maybe she was going for this effect, but I don't like it.\n"The Worst Thing," "Tell Yourself," "Just Can't Last," "Not in This Life" and "I'm Not Gonna Beg," round out Motherland, creating all in all a fine exhibition of talent.\nRating: 7