#9 Lilly Hiatt Walking Proof
#10 Sturgill Simpson Cuttin' Grass
#6 Other Lives For Their Love
# 1 Chris Stapleton Starting Over
Amaretto was actually recorded in 2018, but delayed two years in its release as BMG was not enamored with the record. Pure idiocy. Amaretto is an album Francis was born to make and, sadly, one he is unlikely to make again. Francis’ first three albums were strong efforts. The three albums after contained some good songs but didn’t seem fully realized. Amaretto is brilliant from start to finish. Channeling the emotions associated with the death of his father and his observations on living in Nashville, Amaretto is a major achievement for Francis.
Playlist Tracks: Other Side of Heaven, How Long Has It Been, Amaretto, Dreaming Man
Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle are The Secret Sisters. Smartly working with co-producer Brandi Carlile and the Hanseroth twins (Phil and Tim), the Secret Sisters displays more of the Southern charm present on the girls 2017 release You Don't Own Me Anymore. Both girls lost a loved one and became mothers between records. The experiences plays out in a heightened confidence in their music.
Playlist Tracks: Silver, Late Bloomer, Hand Over My Heart
The Balladeer is McKenna’s third collaboration with producer Dave Cobb. McKenna has the rare ability to comment on life and transform life events into literate tales. While other artists look to McKenna for songs they can cover and oft times turn into hits, she is deserving of high praise for her own albums. McKenna talent is undeniable. The Balladeer addresses affairs of the heart, family, and getter older in a considered and deeply personal way. Just as her prior release The Tree was a must, so to is The Balladeer.
Playlist Tracks: This Town Is A Woman, Marie, When You’re My Age, Till You Grown
#7 Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit Reunions
Other Lives music lives for the dramatic. There is a tension to every track on For Their Love. The songs aren't something you turn on in the background. The tracks demand the listener’s attention as they open up on repeated playback. Thankfully, there is enough beauty and brilliance here to make For Their Love a very worthwhile effort.
Playlist Tracks: Sound of Violence, Lost Day, We Wait, Hey Hey I
Half Moon Light is The Lone Bellow’s most ambitious undertaking. The band takes great advantage of the talents of multi- instrumentalists Jason Pipkin and Aaron Dessner, drummer JT Bates, Phil Cook on harmonica and keyboards, and Josh Kaufman on guitar to create song stories, a sound, and especially harmonies that hit like a waterfall. Well done.
Playlist Tracks: Good Times, I Can Feel You Dancing, Wonder
Simpson began as a bluegrass artist. His success as a country rock artist allows him to step back into those bluegrass roots for Cuttin' Grass. The album re-imagines Simpson's prior output. Rather than push the envelope on Cuttin’ Grass, Simpson instead colors inside the lines. If you are a bluegrass fan, you will likely enjoy these songs. If bluegrass is not your cup of moonshine, stick to the originals.
Playlist Tracks: All Around You, I Don’t Mind
#3 Lori McKenna The Balladeer
#5 The Secret Sisters Saturn Return
#2 Drive-By Truckers The Unraveling
While The Unraveling may require a greater commitment from the listener, it is every bit a match for American Band. As with the protest albums released by Will Hoge, American Band and The Unraveling set the DBT’s apart from musical artists who are too self-absorbed or too fearful to take on the societal ills that plague the country. The songs depict aspects of American life that sadly are beginning to define this country. Honest, poignant music that the times require.
Playlist Tracks: Rosemary with a Bible and a Gun, Thoughts and Prayers, Babies In Cages, Awaiting Resurrection.
Americana/Alt. Country Reviews
Trinity Lane established Hiatt. Her music pairs an alternative country ethic with guitar rock. Her lyrics are well-crafted stories on life, love and failed relationships. While Walking Proof may not be another monumental leap forward, the album makes it clear that Trinity Lane wasn’t a one-off. Walking Proof shows Hiatt to be confident in herself. The songs are strong and self-assured. The album proves her to be an artist who will continue to demand our attention.
Playlist Tracks: Rae, Some Kind of Drug, Drawl
#8 The Lone Bellow Half Moon Light
#4 Robert Francis Amaretto
There were no expectations when Stapleton released his debut, Traveller. Stapleton has become a critical darling, a five-time Grammy, ten-time CMA, and seven-time ACM Award winner. Teaming with Dave Cobb again, and joined by former Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench, Stapleton has another success in Starting Over. It is Stapleton’s ability to combine elements of classic country, rock, and soul coupled with his blusey vocals that elevates his music and separates him from so many music artists. Starting Over is simply an outstanding album.
Playlist Tracks: Starting Over, Devil Always Made Me Think Twice, Cold, Nashville, TN.
Reunions is Isbell’s seventh full-length solo studio album and the fourth released with his the 400 Unit. Like The Nashville Sound, Reunions is produced by Dave Cobb. The Nashville Sound was an example of a band hitting on all cylinders. Reunions requires your attention. But once you pay attention, you realize how strong a set of songs is here. Isbell’ songwriting has always focused on telling stories about himself or of characters who have touched him. What makes Isbell’s songs work is that they are heartfelt. It clearly matters to him that he gets it right. Reunions is another set where Isbell and the 400 Unit got it right.
Playlist Tracks: What’ve I Done To Help, Only Children, Running With Our Eyes Closed