Arts & Entertainment
 

DiFranco's lyrics educate her fans

By Maricela Barrientos
The Daily Cougar

People will either love or hate Ani Difranco's new album Educated Guess, which hits stores today. Her music can best be described as abstract poetry set to an acoustic background. DiFranco actually takes risks and creates art with her music.

Her sound is unique, and her words are so creative that you will either be turned off or intrigued. This album is the antithesis of mainstream. But mainstream music doesn't always mean good music.
 

Singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco brings her singular artistic brand of folk rock to fans once again in her new album Educated Guess.

DiFranco was wise to go against the grain. She ignored the publicity stunts and sexed-up image some of today's more popular stars use to sell records. She let her music sell itself in a simple, self-explanatory way. Her quirky style ingrains itself in the listener, and her messages find ways to slip into the conscience of those wise enough to listen.

Her music isn't about having a catchy sound, but about expression of her views with the added flavor of an acoustic guitar. 

Like most artists, DiFranco sings about life and love, but she also tackles other topics like patriotism and self-criticsim.

With tracks like "Animal" and "Origami," DiFranco sings about self-realization and emotional survival in a world people create for themselves. 

In "Educated Guess," DiFranco sings, "Use your education and take an educated guess about me."

DiFranco is not only a talented musician but also an intelligent poet. 

Her music doesn't encourage dancing or singing along, but it provokes thought in her devout fans as well as those new to her neo-folk sound.

Ani DiFranco

Educated Guess

Righteous Babe Records

The verdict: Take time to listen what DiFranco has to say -- it's well worth it.

 Send comments to dcshobiz@mail.uh.edu