now at mid price 'car wheels on a gravel road' won a grammy for williams for this album, as lucinda went through music business hassles and a revolving door of producers. the reward for their patience is an album full of rootsy, heartfelt observations that alternately rock and mourn. 'car wheels' is full of songs about loss and longing, like 'metal firecracker,' 'drunken angel' and 'i lost it,' but even when she's bemoaning her own lack of happiness on the bluesy 'joy,' she lets loose with so much passion that it seems inevitable she'll find her emotional center again. produced largely by steve earle, 'car wheels' is immersed in that late-'90s alt-country sound, full of slide guitar, accordion, dobro and other americana touches. it's a tribute to williams's unique artistic vision that she distinguishes herself from the no depression crowd by virtue of her idiosyncratic songwriting. full of lust, sadness and the occasional glimmer of hope, 'car wheels' is one small step for lucinda williams and one giant leap for those tuned into her wavelength.