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Three KVMR 89.5 FM (a community radio in the Gold Country of California) broadcasters named Shemekia Copeland’s America’s Child in their top albums from 2018: Steve Cagle, who hosts Blues Spectrum every other Sunday from 1 pm to 3 pm, Johnny Gallagher, who hosts his Music Magazine every Tuesday from 4 pm to 6 pm., and Jodi Selene. 

In its 364th edition, Blues Radio International features an exclusive interview and performance by Shemekia Copeland.

Shemekia has said “country music ain’t nothin’ but the blues with a twang” and this American child is out to prove it. … 

Shemekia presents a message front and center with Kimbrough’s “Ain’t Got Time For Hate” adding Perkins’ pedal steel guitar, J. D. Wilkes harmonica and an eight piece vocal choir while Will’s “Would You Take My Blood” is stripped back to just the trio as she reaches out across this divided nation. Continuing their message of unity, Paul Franklin’s pedal steel guitar whines over a marching rhythm with Mary Gauthier, Emmylou Harris and Katie Pruitt singing the chorus as Shemekia runs through a roster of characters on Gauthier’s “Americans.” With the light touch of Giddens’ banjo and sparkle of Will’s National Guitar, Shemekia’s vocals quiver as she recalls simpler times with “Smoked Ham and Peaches” then she goes out honky tonking on the Morrison Brothers’ “The Wrong Idea” as Kenny Sears’ fiddle joins mid whirl. Al Perkins’ pedal steel has a seductive sway of a Mexicali ballad heating up as Shemekia sings, “Such A Pretty Flame.” Singing from her heart Shemekia covers her father’s “Promised Myself” led by Steve Cropper’s guitar. The plodding insistence of John Prine’s “Great Rain” features a duet with the man himself then things pick up force with “In The Blood Of The Blues” and “One I Love” by rocker Kevin Gorden as Wilkes’ harmonica brings it to a whirling conclusion. The Kinks’ “I’m Not Like Everybody Else” is just Copeland and Kimbrough’s slashing guitar before the rhythm section slips in midway. The gentle guitar intro by Kimbrough fades behind Copeland as she sings the traditional lullaby “Go To Sleepy Little Baby” a cappella. 

Shemekia sings of love and hope and acceptance because as brothers and sisters we are all “America’s Child”. 

By Roger & Margaret White. Read the full review in Big City Rhythm & Blues.

The blues singer’s musical excursions in Nashville have opened a new chapter in Copeland’s expansive career. Her love of the setting and of Will Kimbrough’s guitars and production gushes forth. But the ballast here is the message, a claim on the American dream on behalf of her forebears and her own child. “Would You Take My Blood?” she asks. We should be so lucky. 

Craig Havigurst curated the list of the “30 outstanding albums that we’ll reach for years from now when we want to remember the sound of 2018.” Among those, Shemekia Copeland’s America’s Child. Find out the full list on Roots Radio. 

The reigning Queen of the Blues, three-time Grammy nominee and multiple Blues Music Awards winner, Shemekia Copeland released her album in August via Alligator Records, produced by Will Kimbrough. America’s Child features powerhouse and soulful vocals from Copeland who sings with conviction and passion. She is the daughter of Texas bluesman, Johnny Copeland. With 12 moving songs of blues, rock R&B and country, Shemekia offers a rootsy soul-shaking album with plenty of fierce commentary. And we like to hear artists taking a stand. There’s also playfulness on the album and plenty of groove. The songs’ lyrics are rich with imagery. Steve Cropper, John Prine, Emmylou Harris, and Rhiannon Giddens, and others, guest on the album.

Read the full “Top 20 Blues, Rock, Roots Albums of 2018” list on Rock and Blues Muse.

The Americana Music Association has released the Top 100 Albums and Songs for 2018 according to the amount of radio play each album and song received. Shemekia Copeland’s America’s Child is among the albums, and her Ain’t Got Time for Hate is among the songs!

The Americana Music Association annual report gives listeners a glimpse into the albums, songs, and artists that gained traction in the format over the year, and is a good tool to see what you might have missed in the year’s releases.

See the full lists on Saving Country Music. 

With “America’s Child,” Shemekia Copeland has given us something real; and just as Mavis Staples’ most recent recording was penned and steered by Jeff Tweedy, Copeland here had a strong guide in producer and collaborator and Americana Instrumentalist of the Year winner Will Kimbrough, who plays guitar and organ and writes several songs. Kimbrough fronted Will & The Bushmen in the 1980s, and penned songs for many greats since, including Emmylou Harris, who contributes backing vocals here, and has become a serial collaborator, including with Staples. “Shemekia Copeland is the real deal,” Kimbrough says. “‘America’s Child’ goes deep and Shemekia‘s voice—a national treasure—carries the songs effortlessly, whether topical, personal, spiritual, political or just plain raucous fun.  Shemekia rears back her head and what comes out is humanity made vocal.”

Maybe this is the best record of the year. Every time I listen, I think, have I heard any album better than this in 2018, from end to end? There are moments of levity and moments of seriousness and heartbreak; it’s not a perfect album, but the one constant is her palpable passion, and that is Shemekia Copeland through-and-through.

By Craig Bechtel. Read the full review on New City Music.