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In a world full of darkness, some people are blessed with a soulmate to help them through their journey here on earth, not only to make it more bearable but to make it a glorious journey.  One example of that is the husband-wife team of Beki Hemingway and Randy Kerkman who have collaborated their talents once again to release her second full rock album, Words for Loss for Words. 

Produced by John Mark Painter and Byran Mitchell, this CD demonstrates how Hemingway continues to grow as an artist. She and Kerkman composed all of the songs included on this album with the exception of a cover of "Just Remember I Love You," which features former This Train bandmate Mark Robertson on backing vocals. Hemingway's insightful lyrics reveal her faith and hope in God in songs such as "Good Again" and "Floating Away."  She talks about the pains, struggles and realities of life in songs such as "Only Thing Worse," "Better Vision," To Spare You," "The Crows of Cashel," and "Siouxanne."  One of my favorite songs is "Hope is All I Have":

We can hope with all our hearts
Hope never goes away
And we can try with all our might
And still not save the day sometimes
Sometimes hope is all we have.

Those familiar with Hemingway's music through recordings or live performances will readily recognize her beautiful, smooth vocals and Kerkman's guitar work, and those unfamiliar with her sound will be in for a real treat.  If you've never seen Hemingway and Kerkman perform live, do yourself a favor and catch them when you can.  It's then that the music they make together really comes to life.  In the meantime, order a copy of this CD now.  You won't be disappointed.

Trish Patterson 6/16/02

Words for Loss for Words reveals a more polished Beki Hemingway than on previous efforts.   There is still the difficulty in trying to categorize her sound ­ is she an 80’s rock chick or does she fit into the Lilith Fair singer/songwriter mode?

The answer is yes.  This album ranges from Indigo Girls/Patty Griffin territory (“Better Vision”, “Crows of Cashel”) to songs that could come straight from a soundtrack to a John Hughes movie (“Siouxanne”).  The guitar work of husband Randy Kerkman, and the production of John Mark Painter, combined with Beki’s scream/whisper vocals make this a pleasure.

“Good Again” is concerned with forgiveness and the rebuilding of relationships.  “Only Thing Worse” is almost country in tone, given lyrics like:

The albums in two stacks
We did the math but I was
Never good with long division…

The only thing worse
Than watching you leave
Is seeing you here.

“To Spare You” is a stark portrayal of someone trying desperately to be real, but afraid of the reaction if their true nature is revealed.  It brings to mind the VOL line: “Tell me your deep dark secret/and I will tell you mine/Is that your deep dark secret?/Oh, well never mind”.  It is a poignant representation of the line we all walk, knowing others see us as we are, but covering up that fact to avoid feeling pain.

“Crows of Cashel” has a Celtic feel to it, while “Better Vision” features a local-than-usual vocal from Beki, almost at the Karen Carpenter/Amy Grant level.  Former This Train mate Mark Robertson shows up to sing backup on a 70’s cover “Just Remember I Love You”.  

Words for Loss for Words is a step toward a more mature, deeper Beki Hemingway.  While songs like “Siouxanne” reflect on problems of young adulthood, the others here deal with themes of brokenness, forgiveness, relationships, and trying to leave past mistakes behind.  Listening to Rinse.Repeat, then Too Much Plenty, then Words shows a logical progression both lyrically and musically.  This is simply a great album, with no throwaways.

Brian A. Smith 18 June 2002