Album: Not So Soft

Introduction
"Not So Soft" is the 2nd studio album by singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco, released in 1991. With its non-traditional sound and DiFranco's effective voice, this album showcases her advancement as a musician and exhibits her signature mix of low-key, punk rock-inspired indie music. From taking on social and political concerns to checking out personal relationships and introspective styles, "Not So Soft" stays a timeless and prominent album that helped form the alternative scene of the 1990s.

Background & Production
Following the success of her self-titled launching album, Ani DiFranco continued to gain momentum with her 2nd release. Still independent, she once again released the album on her own label, Righteous Babe Records, making her an early motivation and symbol for DIY ethics in the music world.

In "Not So Soft", DiFranco pressed her previously acoustic and minimalist noise into new territories, including electrical guitars, much deeper percussion, and multi-tracked singing consistencies. It was tape-recorded in an old church in Buffalo, New York, and co-produced and engineered by Ed Stone, offering the album an unique and rich atmosphere.

Lyrics & Themes
The album features 13 tracks, each noteworthy for their insightful and reflective lyrics. DiFranco's words are both poetic and confrontational, tackling societal and political issues with unapologetic honesty.

In "Itch", she addresses environmental issues, while "The Next Big Thing" is a biting review of commercialism and materialism in the music industry. "The Whole Night" and "The Waiting Song" explore the complexities of relationships, as DiFranco takes a look at themes of love, yearning, and vulnerability.

Her feminist point of view shines through in tracks like "Pale Purple" and "Not So Soft", where she challenges traditional gender roles and standards. This thoughtful combination of social commentary and individual reflection has actually become a hallmark of Ani DiFranco's work, marking her as a special and prominent voice on the planet of independent music.

Musical Style & Sound
DiFranco's musical style on "Not So Soft" is defined by its effective vocals, elaborate fingerpicking on her acoustic guitar, and her fondness for blending genres such as folk, punk, and alternative rock.

Her diverse range of impacts appears throughout the album, as she brings together the rawness of hard rock with the intimacy and warmth of traditional folk music. DiFranco's innovative usage of odd time signatures, varied characteristics, and complicated chord developments provide an intricate and engaging listening experience.

Effect & Legacy
"Not So Soft" solidified Ani DiFranco's status as a force to be reckoned with in the independent music scene. Her relentless touring and continuous self-promotion added to the album's growing cult following.

The album has gotten vital acclaim for its unique noise, powerful lyrics, and DiFranco's unrivaled and authentic musical vision. "Not So Soft" has been applauded for its contribution to the increase of indie music in the 1990s, in addition to for motivating many musicians and listeners to engage with thought-provoking themes and accept the DIY philosophy.

DiFranco has given that continued to produce revolutionary work, evolving and expanding her musical horizons over her more than 30-year career. Yet, "Not So Soft" stays a critical chapter in her discography, marking the moment when Ani DiFranco's unmatched and uncompromising musical identity started to take shape.