This collection of songs showcases Jewel’s storytelling and songwriting abilities. In an interview on the DVD, Jewel says, “I loved authors that told the truth on themselves.”
The apparent ease with which Jewel opens her heart to her fans, with lyrics that often feel ripped directly from her journal, does a lot to explain her enduring popularity over the last 13 years. Her first album, Pieces of You, became one of the best-selling debut CDs ever.
Grade: A
The Essential Live Songbook is currently available.