First, the remarkable journey that led to the creation of “Worrisome Heart.”
A near-fatal bicycle accident, hit by an SUV, left Philadelphia-born jazz folkie Melody Gardot, at only 19, with severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, which shaped her relationship with music and art.
Her recovery process catalyzed her songwriting, infusing her music with a depth of emotion and authenticity that is utterly palpable throughout this album.
Since the accident, Gardot has struggled with short-term memory loss.
In her great 2018 npr.org interview with Scott Simon, “That forces her to write and record compositions before she forgets them. Furthermore, her heightened sensitivity to light and sound — which, despite hearing devices and sunglasses — makes performing somewhat difficult. But she says she still finds it enjoyable.”
But honestly, this backstory adds an extra layer of resonance to the already rich tapestry of simply, her music.
The album opens with the title track, “Worrisome Heart,” a slow and sultry starter that immediately establishes Gardot’s signature sound. With a voice that effortlessly oscillates between vulnerability and strength, she weaves a narrative of love’s complexities, setting the tone for the following emotional journey. She sings: “I would be lucky to find me a man. Who could love me the way that I am. With all my troubling ways.”
And she means it.
As the album unfolds, tracks like “All That I Need Is Love” and “Gone” continue highlighting Gardot’s mastery of blending jazz and blues, with pop elements, creating a timeless and contemporary sound. When she sings along with the clarinetist in “All That I Need Is Love,” it is beautiful… and fun.
“Sweet Memory,” with its bossa nova undertones, is a change in pace that offers an audible journey to sun-soaked beaches and the rhythmic sway of a distant, nostalgic romance. Gardot’s ability to shift effortlessly between genres is impressive.
One cannot review “Worrisome Heart” without mentioning “Some Lessons.” This track is the heart of the album. The discovery of music as a healing form is hauntingly translated into this ballad. The raw lyrics like “When you’re born a lover, you’re born to suffer” mirror life’s fragility and its potential for regeneration and rebirth.
Musically, “Worrisome Heart” is an amalgamation of jazz, blues, and folk. The instrumentation is subtle yet effective. Gentle guitars, soft percussion, and the occasional harmonica or piano create a minimalist backdrop over which Gardot’s vocals dance. This stripped-down approach ensures that the emphasis remains on the storytelling and emotion of the songs.
One of the standout tracks, “Goodnite,” exemplifies this perfectly. The penultimate track, a lullaby of sorts, and its delicate guitar plucking combined with Gardot’s whispered vocals create an ambiance of warmth and intimacy. It’s such a simple song, yet it’s hard to shake off long after the track has ended. It has an almost cinematic imagery:
“Close your eyes now. Time for dreams. Love is here tonight.”
This is the sort of lullaby one wishes to be serenaded with, a gentle reminder of love’s presence even in the quietest of nights.
In one simple song, “Love Me Like A River Does” she kills you with just one line:
“Love me like a river. Baby don’t rush, you’re no waterfall.
Love me, that is all“.
“Worrisome Heart” is more than just an album; it’s an experience. Melody Gardot’s debut introduced the world to a singular voice that defies categorization. This album is a testament to the power of music to convey feelings, tell stories, and connect people across time and space.
The concise nature of the album makes it – to me – even more alluring. It is very digestible, but also crafted with precision. Every note, every whisper, every sigh feels deliberate and perfectly placed. There’s a spaciousness to the production that lets each instrument and vocal nuance breathe, making for a listening experience that’s immersive and rewarding.
Listeners familiar with the likes of Norah Jones or Madeleine Peyroux will find a kindred spirit in Gardot (I initially did). However, while there are similarities in their soft, jazz-inflected tones, Gardot carves her own niche. She’s not just another voice; she’s a storyteller. With each song, she weaves a tapestry of emotions that resonates on a deeply personal level.
In conclusion, Melody Gardot’s “Worrisome Heart” is a fantastic debut that stands the test of time. I’m reviewing it in 2023, and it was released in 2008 – but it still sounds as fresh as any new releases I’ve heard this year.
It’s an intimate reflection of life’s dualities, sorrows, and joys. With her unique voice and heartfelt lyrics, Gardot beckons listeners to journey with her, ensuring that their hearts, though perhaps a bit worrisome, are undoubtedly full by the end.
For those not yet introduced to Melody Gardot, “Worrisome Heart” is the perfect entry point.
9.75/10
Chris Garrod, August 30, 2023