Breathtakingly gorgeous Americana separates Dianna Cristaldi from Nashville fluff
Reviewed by Alison Murphy
Dianna Cristaldi/Dianna Cristaldi
Singer/songwriter Dianna Cristaldi sings of love, death, God, and war without softening the sharp edges of biting reality. This was once the spirit of country music, conveying messages and telling everyday stories without worrying about bringing people down. It’s not that Cristaldi’s songs are depressing; it’s just that they’re not shallow escapist fare or Nashville fluff. In “Open Hand,” Cristaldi reaches out to God, but a happy ending has yet to be found (“As I try to forget/The sorrow and the loneliness”). Mixed emotions abound on this record. “I’ve Got Nothing Left” seemed like a romantic confessional at first, but it’s actually about a break-up (“You’ve left the shore to walk among trees”), one that nevertheless doesn’t have her regretting about being in the relationship even though her feelings have run dry.
On “What Can I Do” and the devilishly attractive “Temptations,” Cristaldi wrestles with the blues but much of the LP falls into Americana territory. However, despite the country seasonings this is far from modern Nashville fodder. The lush strings of “I’ve Got Nothing Left” are probably too beautiful for radio, sounding breathtakingly gorgeous within the context of the album.
