1,000 Kisses will surprise listeners

Besides her sincere voice, passionate lyrics and soulful delivery of the two, there is one more element to expect from any Patty Griffin album: surprise.

The songs could be stripped down demos, (her debut release "Living with Ghosts") songs with punk and rock elements (her sophomore effort "Flaming Red") or quality alt-country hits backed by an incredible, yet subtle band (her latest release, "1,000 Kisses). But without fail, all of her albums radiate heartfelt emotions through a bittersweet, soft and unique voice containing a folk-like twang.

On "1,000 Kisses" Griffin who is of French-Canadian descent, uses a mélange of folk, soft and country tones as she returns to the acoustic sound of her debut album. Mainly recorded live in the studio with a small acoustic band full of soothing instruments such as bells, mandolin, accordion, cello and piano, the album gives off an intimate and personal feel.

While her own songwriting talents are superb, Griffin surprises fans by mixing up "1,000 Kisses" with three cover songs: Bruce Springsteen's "Stolen Car," "Tomorrow Night," a 1948 R&B hit by Lonnie Johnson (that Bob Dylan has also covered) and the Latin romantic "Mil Besos" which she sings in Spanish.

On her own penned songs Griffin sings about dealing with reality, ("Rain") finding dignity in mundane events ("Making Pies") and searching for yourself ("Long Road Home").

Her evocative lyrics are delivered through her nasal yet pure voice to deliver themes of being idle and discovering one's self. On the poignant opening track "Rain," the Maine-born singer croons, "Now I don't wanna beg you baby/For something maybe you could never give/I'm not looking for the rest of your life/I just want another chance to live."

In a press release Griffin said "Rain" is about "facing where you're at and the different ways of doing that." Griffin wrote the song after experiencing a very wet winter in Austin, Texas where she currently lives. She said, "I thought, 'when's this (rain) gonna let up? It's not.' And the song came out of that."

Griffin's voice comes out as a plea on "Be Careful" as she sings "Be careful how you bend me/Be careful where you send me/Careful how you end me/Be careful with me." According to Griffin the song is about women in today's society. "Women are taught that they are valuable in really limited, even restricted ways. There's just a lot of the picture missing about women in our culture," said Griffin. "I think that's bad for women and worse for the culture."

On "Chief," Griffin sings of a man from her childhood. "The myth was that he came back from the war with a plate in his head. Somehow he ended up with a another take on reality," she said. "He marched night and day, all summer with no shoes." On the track she sings this about the wandering man: "His hands wouldn't work the machinery/Cause his brain told him what to say/It's a hell of a life/But it's somebody's life."

Griffin often touches on subjects of struggling pasts, uncertain futures and yes, even the hell that life can be. And she should know - she's experienced these very things with recording music.

In 1995 Griffin made her first album, but her record company didn't like it. Instead they preferred the collection of demos she had recorded in a small studio in Boston. The demos were turned into her 1996 debut release "Living with Ghosts." For the next year she toured promoting the inventive album before releasing her sophomore piece "Flaming Red," a well-received album backed by a full band and modern rock touches. Griffin hit the road again, opening for such notables as Emmylou Harris (who provides backup vocals on "Long Ride Home") and Lucinda Williams.

In 2000 she went to New Orleans to make her next album with members of her road band: guitarist Doug Lancio, keyboardist John Deaderick, bassist Frank Swart and drummer Billy Beard. "Silver Bell" was recorded over a period of about six weeks and the tracks were close to the style of "Flaming Red." Griffin submitted the album to A&M/Interscope Records and embarked on a tour with The Dixie Chicks (who have covered the Griffin-penned song "Let Him Fly).

As A&M/Interscope Records sat on her record in a time where bubblegum pop was the draw on the radio, Griffin parted ways from the label. It was at this time her manager suggested she make another acoustic record that also incorporated her live sound. Not one to remain idle or succumb to the pressure of the music industry, Griffin went to Nashville to work with longtime band mate Lancio to record "1,000 Kisses." Griffin signed to Dave Matthews's artist-friendly ATO Records in August 2001 on the strength of the completed album which Griffin and Lancio ended up producing. The collaboration resulted in what is bond to be another hit for Griffin.

Each song is a surprise in itself as Griffin sings in many ways - pleading, emotional or slow and sultry on "Tomorrow Night" followed by her Spanish rendition of "Mil Besos." Even though Griffin doesn't speak Spanish, her singing abilities capture the Latin flair of the song. And although the tune doesn't seem to fit with the other nine tracks, it is interesting to note that the album title means "Mil Besos" in Spanish.

Griffin kept her integrity and values and created an album listeners may not hear on the radio alongside Britney Spears and Shakira, but one that is full of quality songs and beautiful singing. Whether it be acoustic demos, rock 'n' roll or Latin melodies, Griffin will surprise listeners with her ability to pull off each category with grace and ease.