Category:
Roots

Try if you like:
Bob Dylan, Grant Lee Phillips, John Wesly Harding, Robyn Hitchcock

I guess it was only a matter of time before the likes of Nick Cave, Tom Waits and now Billy Bragg ended up on the same label. Anti really is proving to be a force in the indie world with some really big name acts being scooped up. Billy Bragg has been at it as long as his other two contemporaries and while Bragg sticks more in the political folk side of things, his songs are none-the-less powerful. Mr. Love and Justice marks his debut for Anti and one of his strongest full-lengths in years. 

The album starts out with the logical first single, "I Keep Faith". It features Robert Wyatt backing him up and presents a bit of a different side of the songwriter. One of the most powerful lyrics Billy crafts is on "O Freedom":

"O Freedom, What liberties are taken in thy name."

The greatest element of this album is the way Bragg wears his heart on his sleeve. Those who know Billy may think this isn't anything new but on tracks like "You Make Me Brave" really show a vulnerable side of him. And while Billy has always been a bit of a folky, this effort reveals a little more of a soulful side. Look no further than the title track for solid proof. I'm not sure if this album would sell new-comers to Billy's music but it sure isn't going to scare away any long-time fans.