The happier side of romance remains elusive for singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams, but success has been her steady beau for going on 29 years now. With her knack for deeply personal songwriting and her love-it-or-leave-it attitude about her work, Williams has established a reputation as an uncompromising talent. Her latest effort, World Without Tears, is a multihued portrait of contemporary American roots rock. In concert, Williams' trademark sultry sneer will reinforce the disc's gritty, roadhouse edginess.
