The Bluff (album)

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

The Bluff is a 2001 studio album by American musician Sarah Dougher. Released on the Mr. Lady label, the rock record runs about 40 minutes. Dougher and Jon Nikki played most of the instruments, with Janet Weiss on drums on several tracks. Cadallaca bandmate Corin Tucker contributed backing vocals on "Must Believe," and the album is dedicated to Tucker's son. The track "It's Raining" is a cover of Allen Toussaint's song made famous by Irma Thomas. Dougher toured North America and Australia to promote the album.

Critics praised The Bluff for its stripped-down, guitar- and organ-driven sound and Dougher's distinctive alto voice. The Oregonian called it 13 defiantly simple compositions, while The Washington Post highlighted the title track as a standout. Pitchfork said the album is cleaner and less raw than her previous work. AllMusic praised its honest, piercing look at balancing intellect and emotion with love's losses. The album was listed among the best albums of 2001 by some outlets.