Light at the end of the tunnel.

It must be tough being a topical songwriter and maintain a positive attitude these days. Eliza Gilkyson has transcended that problem with her new album Beautiful World. In a recent interview on Out of the Box, after pointing out that we are at a crossroads in history she said “this album is about the celebration of love, joy, beauty and nature, the things that are worth fighting for.”  As she sings about the problems we face today, she sounds hopeful if not downright joyful about the future and has produced the best album in her twenty year recording career. 

“Emerald Street” kicks off the “stop and smell the roses” attitude with Eliza singing “hard times comin’, I ain’t jokin” but then declares “sparks fly from my head to my feet all because I’m in love.”  It’s a simple country arrangement with a rollicking brass section and she even whistles while playing her national steel guitar. “Great Correction” warns of political dangers but also allows that the “the light burns brightest during the darkest times.”  Her sense of humor comes out in the country rocker “Dreamlover” about an internet porn queen who is “as close as the palm of your hand.” “Unsustainable.” is a brilliant parody of Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable.”  She sings “lets tear it down and start all over again” to a cocktail lounge jazz beat.  

Gilkyson’s husky voice emotes beautifully on the haunting title track and one of the best love songs she’s ever written called “He Waits For Me.”  Alternating between lush arrangements and folky Americana, the backing musicians create a colorful landscape for this Beautiful World.  The optimistic nature of the album makes it truly one of the best of the year.  

Listen for songs from the album Beautiful World by Eliza Gilkyson all this week on Paul Shugrue’s new music show “Out of the Box” on Hampton Roads public radio 89.5 WHRV Mon. through Thurs. from 7 to 9 p.m., Sat. afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. and on-demand at www.whrv.org/outofthebox.