Out of These Blues Continental Records****

Tom Betts's cover painting – of trucks and a motel seeped in dusky blue shadow – mirrors the tone of Texan singer-songwriter Robyn Ludwick's third solo album. The 12 tracks feature a cast of lovers and losers making their way in a hard world. Ludwick's lived-in, lugubrious voice strikes the right balance between desperation and fragile hope, which makes New Orleans, for instance, such a wonderful track. The shadow of Lucinda WIlliams's dark drawl looms large, as well as Steve Earle's. There are a few false moves, but also enough true ones to suggest that Ludwick is the real country deal. Ace guitarist Gurf Morlix puts his meaty stamp on the unhurried production and veteran Hammond whiz Ian McLagan provides the kind of moody fills that lift the heart. Amid them, Ludwick stands tall: songs such as the unsettling Fight Songand the mountain anthem Hillbillyshows she's a writer of substance. See robyn ludwick.com

Download tracks: Fight Song, Hillbilly, New Orleans