Ashley Monroe fully commits to a new mood on Rosegold, but the lightweight affair is stripped of much depth or character. Ever since Like a…
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, you’ll…
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. “I…
The Moon and Stars is a masterful, singular effort and career apogee for Valerie June. As Miles Davis once said, “Sometimes it takes you a…
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 months…
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 couple…
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 has…
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 her…
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 West…
Shovel & Rope’s kid-friendly latest covers album has its heart in the right place, but is an absolute sonic disaster. Americana duo Shovels & Rope…
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 in…
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, A.J.…
Yasmin Williams’ sophomore release builds upon the impressive instrumentation and technical expertise shown in her first album, and exhibits her ability to produce cheerful, magical…
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 rockers…
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 his…
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. Steve…
The BrOs’ attempt to move the needle back in the direction of commerciality isn’t their sharpest effort but does reposition them at the fore of…
Margo’s latest strikes the perfect balance of intimacy and spectacle. Perfectly Imperfect at the Ryman captures Margo Price at an inflection point. The album was…
The Way It Feels bears some undeniable deadweight, but also positions Maddie & Tae well to regain their status as queens of country. With “Die from…
D’orjay thrillingly embraces the country genre without any of the historical limitations, biases, and white supremacism. Much of the discourse about country music in 2020…