Susan Gibson’s songwriting doesn’t pull any punches. Hook-laden and emotionally sharp, the Wimberley songwriter’s first full-length of new songs since 2011’s Tightrope delivers the kind of character portraits and narratives that elevated her “Wide Open Spaces” to Dixie Chicks-level success. The real treat of The Hard Stuff is the range of melody beyond most singer-songwriters, with the center run of the title track, “Lookin’ for a Fight,” and “The Big Game” winding unexpected yet infectious. Gibson returns as poignant and vital as ever.

***.5


This article appears in November 29 • 2019.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.