This week's list of albums is small but it's a large collection with Shelby Lynne, Chris Stapleton, Granger Smith and Mumford & Sons leading the notable way. See below what we think of the new records from these artists.
Mumford & Sons - Wilder Mind (Glassnote)
This talented band returns with a collection of easier to digest songs than their previous albums have been and that’s for people who may not have loved their rootsy blend of banjos and indie folk. “Tompkins Square Park” feels like a song meant to blend from those albums to Wilder Mind while still showcasing a more “electric” band. Hit single “Believe” feels like a U2/Coldplay-like track while the title track has a rock-y atmospheric blend to it too. While this band was slightly country before, it’s safe to say they’ve abandoned any of that pretense here (though “Just Smoke” is close to what comes out of mainstream country, at least musically). Wilder Mind is an interesting album which showcases a band who is coming into their own but as the “it band” of the world.
Shelby Lynne - I Can’t Imagine (Rounder)
The talented genre-bending Grammy winner returns with this lean 10 song collection of strong songwriting and artistry. “Paper Van Gogh” is an interesting lyrical study while “Sold The Devil (Sunshine)” features an inescapable retro-cool melody that backs weightier lyrics. Like her sister Allison Moorer, there’s a stark realism to much of what Shelby Lynne releases and “I Can’t Imagine” is a perfect study on this fact.
Chris Stapleton - Traveller (Mercury)
The talented songwriter behind songs like “Your Man” and “Drink A Beer” is finally releasing his own solo record (after a turn in Grammy-nominated band The SteelDrivers). The title track is currently out at country radio and while it remains to be seen if the best vocalist in country music can break out there, he’s certainly made an album that’s bound to stand the test of time. “Fire Away” showcases the passionate soul of Stapleton’s songwriting, something which he excels on throughout the record with gems like “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Parachute” (a potential radio hit), “Whiskey And You” and “Was It 26.” But the clear standouts on the record, the oh-wow moments are “Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore” and “Sometimes I Cry.” A standout of epic proportions, Traveller should not be missed if you consider yourself a country music fan.
Granger Smith - 4x4 (Pioneer Music)
A star in Texas and the Southwestern region of the USA, Granger Smith worked with Frank Rogers to produce his new EP 4x4 and the four track collection showcases an artist ready to make the leap from Texas to Nationwide with tight melodies (always one of his hallmarks) and lyrics that touch on stuff folks from the rural parts of America relate to. While songs with backroads, tailgates and parties are mentioned here. It’s hard to see “Tailgate Town,” “Backroad Song” or “Tonight” viewed as anything but strong songs and far from whatever people think “bro country” is. This is cerebral country music that should be able to hit the top of the charts, striking the balance between art and commerce nicely. (Fans of his alter ego character Earl Dibbles, Jr. will like "City Boy Stuck" which closes out the EP).
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