Struck by Lightning

Released in 1991, Struck by Lightning represents a pivotal moment in Graham Parker's discography, marking his most successful and cohesive work of the 1990s. Moving away from the high-energy pub rock and new wave that defined his early career, Parker embraced a 'Woodstock sound' influenced by his relocation to Upstate New York. The album was recorded at Dreamland Recording Studios and features an impressive roster of roots-music royalty, including Garth Hudson (The Band), John Sebastian (The Lovin' Spoonful), and Pete Thomas (The Attractions). Sonically, the record is defined by its acoustic foundations, utilizing lap steel, dobro, and fiddle to create a warm, Americana-inflected atmosphere. Lyrically, Parker pivots from societal rebellion to personal reflection, tackling themes of domesticity, the passage of time, and his own history with addiction. Critics frequently compared the record's spiritual tone to Bob Dylan's John Wesley Harding and Van Morrison's more pastoral works, noting that while the 'angry young man' had matured, his 'lyrical incisiveness' remained fully intact.