As always, Jason Isbell doesn’t make music that’s easy to analyze, and there likely won’t be a song as universally loved on Reunions like “If We Were Vampires” or “Elephant” from past projects. But in terms of consistency and compelling thematic arcs, Reunions is one of Isbell’s strongest projects yet… Read More Album Review: Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit – ‘Reunions’
If, for whatever reason, Years really is John Anderson’s final album, at least he went out on a high note; and managed to make a fitting album for these troubled times… Read More Album Review: John Anderson – ‘Years’
LP5 may once again find John Moreland stretching his artistic boundaries, but the nucleus of what makes him excellent remains intact… Read More Album Review: John Moreland – ‘LP5’
Allison Moorer faces her past and creates her rawest project yet… Read More Album Review: Allison Moorer – ‘Blood’
HOME finds Billy Strings expanding off his naturally frenetic energy… Read More Album Review: Billy Strings – ‘HOME’
Four artists pool their talents together to create an album that’s specific in scope and approach, yet broad enough to appeal to anyone who enjoys well-crafted country music… Read More Album Review: The Highwomen – ‘The Highwomen’
Hail Mary by Shane Smith and the Saints is a grand odyssey… Read More Album Review: Shane Smith And The Saints – ‘Hail Mary’
The short version: Ian Noe’s ‘Between The Country’ is a stunning portrayal of southern living framed by excellent storytelling, passionate performances and equally great production. For a debut, this is exceptional, though, this is exceptional in any capacity. In other words, it’s one of the best albums of 2019 thus far. Favorite tracks: “Letter To… Read More Album Review: Ian Noe – ‘Between The Country’
The short version: Rod Melancon goes further than ever before with his primal, unsettling and visceral tones on ‘Pinkville.’ Favorite tracks: “The Heartbreakers,” “Westgate,” “Cobra,” “Rehabilitation,” “Lord Knows” Least favorite track: “Corpus Christi Carwash” Rating: 9/10 The long version: In troubled times, music is a either a source of refuge from turmoil or another channel… Read More Album Review: Rod Melancon – ‘Pinkville’
The short version: For something different, I take a look at the newest album from Saor, a Scottish black metal band that won me over by adding elements of Celtic folk into the mix. Their newest album, ‘Forgotten Paths’ is an album that hits my musical sweet spot, and while it’s a little out of… Read More Album Review: Saor – ‘Forgotten Paths’
The short version: There’s a refined boldness to Charles Wesley Godwin’s debut album, ‘Seneca,’ that suggests he’ll be around for a lot longer, if not the next big thing. In other words, ‘Seneca’ is an early contender for one of 2019’s best albums. Favorite tracks: “(Windmill) Keep On Turning,” “Seneca Creek,” “Hardwood Floors,” “Here In… Read More Album Review: Charles Wesley Godwin – ‘Seneca’
The short version: The Steel Woods’ sophomore effort is somehow even better than their debut album. It’s a striking concept record filled with great stories, fantastic riffs and some of their stickiest hooks yet. In short, it’s an early contender for one of 2019’s best albums. Favorite tracks: “Rock That Says My Name,” “Without You,”… Read More Album Review: The Steel Woods – ‘Old News’
The short version: Ruston Kelly draws from a dark underbelly of emotions to craft one of the best country albums of 2018. The long version: Ruston Kelly admittedly drew more suspicion from me than he did interest. Stop me if you’ve heard this before – an indie-country singer who adopts an elitist attitude toward mainstream… Read More Album Review: Ruston Kelly – ‘Dying Star’
With the unfortunate chart runs behind both “A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega” and “Radioland,” let’s hope that third time is the charm with “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” Released as the album’s third single, Ashley McBryde and her team are taking a big risk releasing a bare-bones acoustic ballad to the airwaves. It’s all for our… Read More Song Review: Ashley McBryde – “Girl Goin’ Nowhere”
