Now this is a coincidence; first you have her now ex-husband Steve Earle with a release, and then you have Allison (Moorer) expressing her emotions. Of how they have been effected by life, not least the last couple of years of their respective lives. As a marriage which looked to be so good, and beneficial to both parties come apart.
For all too long Allison Moorer’s music has not been as easy a listener as it should be. I am still waiting for her to get it right and record the best songs possible for her fabulous voice. As for this album she does serve up a good few highs, but once again many songs take a few more listens than other than fans of the lady might be prepared to go for. If you aren’t already into Moorer’s work you are advised to give her a shot, and a little time too (because there are one or two late developers). “Like It Used To Be” has her break off with all guns blazing. In some ways, musically it shows off some Earle influences. Moorer says of the title-track “Down to Believing”, ‘it is quite possibly one of my best songs, one of the most honest songs about marriage, adding ‘Obviously, this is a record about family and relationships’.
As for choice cuts “I Lost My Crystal Ball” is a superb song, with her questioning their marriage break-up, and of how she has had to come to terms to the diagnosis her son, John Henry has autism. Moving up a gear, after the heart-tugging “Down To Believing” she hits back with “Tear Me Apart” as she challenges her being pushed to one side. “If I Were Stronger” finds her, not for the only time with her mind and life in turmoil, before she lightens the mood with “Wish I”. This as she wishes things were better. “Blood” is a thoughtful piece, tender and simple it is about her sister, Shelby Lynne. A beautiful ode it speaks of loving someone unconditionally it borders on priceless. It is ably supported by a chugging, and cleverly written “I’m Doing Fine” and the dramatic tune “Mama Let The Wolf In”. She also does a fine cover a rock classic in Credence Clearwater Revival’s ever-infectious “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”. Her closing song “Gonna Get It Right” is a wonderful, tender affair (about her ability of looking after her son, and how she knows she is on occasions going to get it wrong, but it's alright) awash in stylish lyrics and vocals (plus some fine Dobro and mandolin playing). So impressive are her vocals I would cite it as the best piece of singing on the album, and possibly the best I have ever heard Moorer sing. Better than anything on her debut record even!
Produced by Kenny Greenberg, and who also did the honours on The Hardest Part (2000), Down To Believing sees Moorer edge positively towards the album I believe is in her!
Maurice Hope