Gary Allan needs to stop trying to be cool and remember where he came from. Throughout the aughts, Gary Allan was one of the few consistent…
Somehow Chris Thile’s debut solo record, Laysongs finds the musician in delicate, ruminative form. Given that he’s been a professional musician for more than half of…
Ashley Monroe fully commits to a new mood on Rosegold, but the lightweight affair is stripped of much depth or character. Ever since Like…
The Marfa Tapes finds the three old-hats of country riding each other’s waves to melancholy and joyous heights. Toward the end of The Marfa Tapes,…
Taylor’s Version is an unnecessary work, but one that remains fascinating in the way an older, more experienced Swift slightly reshapes these songs of innocence.…
The Moon and Stars is a masterful, singular effort and career apogee for Valerie June. As Miles Davis once said, “Sometimes it takes you…
Who by Fire is a reverent, accomplished tribute album that both honors both Cohen and retains First Aid Kit’s particular character. Recorded a few…
Our Country is a remarkable statement of Marks’ rightful place at the fore of modern country music. In the mid-2000s, Miko Marks recorded a…
My Savior is not just an impressive work of gospel, but is Carrie Underwood’s best record to date. At no point in her career…
Lynn’s latest, unfortunately, is another instance of her merely repeating herself without much beyond her legacy to justify its existence. In referencing one of…
Aaron Lee Tasjan’s latest is a confident, audacious work that earns all of its explanation points. Because he’s found a home on the New…
Shovel & Rope’s kid-friendly latest covers album has its heart in the right place, but is an absolute sonic disaster. Americana duo Shovels &…
While Willie Nelson boasts a pretty high floor and That’s Life is indeed a pleasant enough listen, it’s the also the songwriter’s least essential album…
By Request is a thrilling jukebox collection, more rarified that typical covers album, and a profound response tragedy. Though barely perceptible in the music itself,…
Yasmin Williams’ sophomore release builds upon the impressive instrumentation and technical expertise shown in her first album, and exhibits her ability to produce cheerful,…
When You Found Me is an emotionally mature, classic rock riff on Lucero’s singular sound. Lucero has always found themselves at intersections; sonically, the southern…
Greenfields is a little muddled from numerous star-studded features, but still puts the Bee Gee’s classic songbook on display in a new light. On…
Steve Earle’s newest, a tribute to his late son Justin Townes Earle, delivers a mournful-yet-celebratory look at a father’s love for his departed son.…