Secular Hymns

Recorded in 2016, Secular Hymns represents a significant aesthetic pivot for Madeleine Peyroux, moving away from the ambitious, orchestrated tribute of The Blue Room toward a radical minimalism. The album was recorded live as a trio in the 12th-century church of Saint-Barthélemy in Festubert, France. This location is central to the album's identity; the stone walls and high ceilings provide a natural reverb that replaces electronic effects. The tracklist is an eclectic curation of 'secular' songs - ranging from the delta blues of Willie Dixon to the contemporary songwriting of Tom Waits - reinterpreted through a spiritual lens. Critics, particularly J. Poet of DownBeat, lauded the album for its 'somber vocal' delivery and the 'crying tone' of the guitar work. While some critics found the production 'too clean' for traditional blues, the consensus highlights the record as a masterclass in acoustic intimacy and a highlight of Peyroux's later career.