Since 1990, DiFranco has independently released over 20 albums and manages to sell out venues across the globe. Her style of music cannot be clearly defined; its borders are blurred somewhere within folk, indie, rock, soul -- and specks of everything else. The greatest constant is her unwavering lyrical ability. She neither sugarcoats nor minimizes truths, yet she has a softer, poetic side depicting songs of love, leisure, acceptance and universal equality.
Her latest album, "¿Which Side Are You On?," is comprised of 12 songs, all written by DiFranco. Her acoustic guitar playing is somewhat less aggressive than it has been previously. The first track, "Life Boat," primes the audience with a slow, mellow sound. In passing, portions of the album could be described as musically monotonous or repetitive, but a closer look reveals the calmer, relaxed guitar work creates a nice backdrop for well-written, poignant lyrics. Do not be misled: true to Ani DiFranco's form, other tracks, such as "Promiscuity", "Splinter," and "Mariachi" provide striking instrumentation and upbeat melodies. Healthy portions of an electric guitar add edge and mildly abrasive vigor when needed. Also, her life's added perspectives as a mother and a maturing woman shine through on tracks such as "Albacore," conveying her individual reality and what she believes the world could evolve to become.
The highlight of this album is the title track, "¿Which Side Are You On?" Originally written by Florence Reece in 1931, this song has been revisited by scores of artists over its 80 year lifetime, and it has resonated among activists for decades. Folk artist Pete Seeger, along with his banjo, performed a well-known version of "Which Side Are You On?" in the '60s. DiFranco has supplied this tune with new life, reenergizing it with updated lyrics, yet her version holds the song's soul and history intact by featuring Seeger on the banjo and background vocals.
The percussion ensemble only increases the classic song's vitality, motivating the message even further. The snare drum in particular correlates with battlefield marches and patriotic references, fitting for this track. DiFranco has transformed this song into a fresh call to action. Her vocals were given a slight echo effect, which provides listeners with a sense they are presently witnessing her leading a crowd, microphone in hand, aimed to motivate the masses for justifiable action and positive change. She addresses the government, average workers, banks, consumers, men, women and voters of all types to reclaim the meaning of citizenship and what it's worth.
Altogether, "¿Which Side Are You On?" pushes boundaries, accentuates affirmation and entertains musically -- a pleasant return by Ani DiFranco.
