Not So Soft (CD - 1991)

Recorded at Audio Magic, Buffalo, New York in September 1991.

Personnel: Ani DiFranco (vocals, acoustic guitar, congas, sound effects).

Editors: Don Wilkinson; Tony Romano.

Photographers: Scot Fisher; Karen Richardson.

Unknown Contributor Role: Ani DiFranco.

Arranger: Ani DiFranco.

Having announced herself with a quietly intense folk-style debut (ANI DIFRANCO) in 1990, this Buffalo, New York-based singer/songwriter-still barely into her 20s-almost entirely reinvented herself with the aptly titled follow-up NOT SO SOFT. Whereas much of her debut album recalled both Joni Mitchell and Suzanne Vega, DiFranco here jettisons stark acoustic beauty and instead fields a much more unique and personal vocal style.

On NOT SO SOFT, DiFranco uses a rougher, talk-singing style, her lower-register delivery owing much to both Patti Smith and Lou Reed yet more nakedly emotional. DiFranco also adds brasher acoustic guitar, a heavily rhythmic playing style that gives the album a fuller, more rock & roll-oriented sound than the often- delicate debut. Her songwriting is equally improved. She examines personal and political issues while sidestepping preachiness and stridency, even on the spoken-word title track. NOT SO SOFT is an exciting, passionate folk album with punk intensity. minimize