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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Kristofferson: 67 Astounding Songs by Richard Somma is a comprehensive analysis of Kris Kristofferson’s early songwriting, focusing on thematic content, lyrical techniques, and vocal delivery. The book examines songs such as “Viet Nam Blues,” which critiques U.S. politics, and “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” noted for its emotional vulnerability. Somma discusses structural elements like rhyme schemes and rhythmic changes in songs, including “To Beat the Devil” and “Best of All Possible Worlds.” The analysis covers interpretations by other artists, such as Janis Joplin’s version of “Me and Bobby McGee,” and highlights narrative devices in tracks like “Casey’s Last Ride” and “Shadows of Her Mind.” Additionally, Somma explores social issues in songs like “The Eagle and the Bear” and “Shipwrecked in the Eighties,” and addresses themes of addiction, relationships, and mortality throughout Kristofferson’s work.
Richard Somma’s Kristofferson: 67 Astounding Songs offers a well-crafted and detailed deep dive into Kris Kristofferson’s songwriting, showing us lyrical structure, musical elements, and storytelling techniques in an intelligent and interesting format. Somma’s writing is simple, straightforward, accessible, and thorough, and I enjoyed the thoughtful analysis of songs such as “Lover Please,” which I discovered had a rhyme scheme to convey desperation, and “Stranger,” where subtle interactions reveal loneliness and connection. It is the socially conscious tracks like “The Eagle and the Bear” and introspective pieces such as “Feeling Mortal,” that I liked most and felt demonstrated the true range of Kristofferson’s work, as well as Somma’s attention to vocal performance and collaboration, seen in duets like “I’d Rather Be Sorry.” The links provided, where readers can listen to the music, are not only helpful, but also introduced me to songs I'd never heard. Overall, this book is a careful and articulate study that offers readers a great look into the songwriter’s craft and artistic choices.
