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Trouble and Strife was engineered by Matt Shane, mixed by Vance Powell, and mastered by Alex DeTurk. At times I wished for an occasional flare-up from the singer, but as I played the disc more it occurred to me that in these times a well-stated argument, presented with just the right amount of emotion, ends up being more effective.

Osborne lets her anger show on “Panama,” but even there she doesn’t push too hard, letting the lyrics carry the message and giving the musicians space to build the songs. The beautiful ballad “Whole Wide World” gives some hope that things can get better, but for the most part Trouble and Strife is on slow boil. The hard-rocking “Hands Off” takes on those who exploit other people and destroy the environment, and it’s Petruzzelli’s turn to bring righteous fury to the song with an angry, fiery solo. The swamp funk atmosphere holds the vignettes together, and Cline fires off a strong solo that reinforces the ominous power of the song. The title track moves into countrified southern rock and covers a lot of ground, from gun violence to abuses of power. Richard Hammond’s greasy bass lines give the song its deep groove. “Never Get Tired (Of Loving You)” shows an affection for the disco era in its Bee Gees synth lines, and its Giorgio Moroder production is reminiscent of Donna Summer’s records. Trouble and Strife casts a wide stylistic net, but its emphasis is on ’70s rock and soul. The song makes its point about how the arrival of people like Rea-Ventre and her family contributes to America’s rich and varied culture, but it doesn’t preach, and it stays loose and danceable. Osborne begins drawing Rea-Ventre’s portrait with a few well-chosen lines:Ī recording of Rea-Ventre’s voice courses through the track, which is a prime piece of funk driven by drummer Steve Gorman and guitarists Andrew Carillo, Jack Petruzzelli, and Wilco’s Nels Cline. Osborne wrote “What’s That You Say” after hearing the story of Ana Maria Rea-Ventre, who came to America from Mexico with her family when she was ten. It sets a hopeful tone for the album, acknowledging our trying times while urging us to carry on and enjoy life. The guitars in “Take It Any Way I Can Get It” sound like Brothers and Sisters-era Allman Brothers, but the song and Osborne’s vocal show a strong Staple Singers influence. Osborne has long shown an affinity for soul and blues, and a number of the songs on Trouble and Strife recreate the feel of some of the best soul recordings of the ’70s. Osborne’s first collection of new songs since Love and Hate (2014) is also ear-catching, with engaging melodies and solid hooks. Instead, Osborne gives us glimpses of people whose stories help to make her points. This album doesn’t display the unbridled anger that drives some protest records. Rea's words can be heard throughout the powerful song, spoken in her native tongue.With her new album, Trouble and Strife, Joan Osborne joins the growing number of her musical peers who have been moved to address current events. Rea spoke in-depth with Osborne about and the difficulties she and her family faced when coming to America from Mexico seeking asylum, and the challenges since.

On one of the album's most important songs, "What's That You Say" Osborne focuses on immigration and the plight of Ana Marie Rea. Osborne beautifully balances the weight of her messages with solace and optimism. Trouble & Strife finds the gifted vocalist offering a strong yet uplifting response to some of the socio-political issues plaguing our nation over the last several years. Osborne self-produced the new collection and penned all ten songs, with two co-writes. Acclaimed singer/songwriter Joan Osborne is back with Trouble & Strife, her first album of original material in six years.