Terri Hendrix

Terri Hendrix

As contemporary Texas folk artists go, few can match the success of Terri Hendrix. The Spiritual Kind is the San Marcos-based songbird's ninth CD. While perhaps her most cogent work to date, like some of her previous efforts it's once again marred by overly simplistic lyrics and a tendency to wear her heart on her sleeve where some mystery would make a world of difference. The main culprit is the disc's centerpiece and title track. The subject matter requires a subtlety that's nowhere in sight, so its obviousness is merely cloying. Hendrix tackles Woody Guthrie's "Pastures of Plenty" with her patented zeal, and while her heart's in the right place on Jimmy Driftwood's "What Is the Color of the Soul," it comes across as forced and lacking any necessary grit. Kerrverts worldwide will likely embrace Hendrix's squeaky clean vision once again, but those who appreciate a duskier brand of folk are advised to look elsewhere.