Sturgill Simpson is living proof that authentic, heartfelt country music still exists, but he also proves that he is not simply a clone of classic country acts. He may sound somewhat like Waylon Jennings, but he takes a very innovative approach to country - yes, it does have that old outlaw feel, but it's also been labeled by some as "psychedelic country." He is one of the leaders trying to take country music back to its roots but also move it forward in a different direction than what is being played on the radio. This is Sturgill's second album; the follow-up to this one, 2016's A Sailor's Guide to Earth has been nominated for album of the year at this year's Grammys, going up against Adele, Beyonce, Justin Bieber, and Drake. Most people watching the Grammys won't have a clue who Sturgill even is. But hey, Beck won last year, so maybe he's got a shot (I'd be cool with Adele winning too - she's an amazing talent as well).
This album has some great songs on it, and one of my all-time favorite song titles: "Turtles All the Way Down." My other favorites are "Living the Dream," "Long White Line," "A Little Light," and a cover of When in Rome's "The Promise." It takes a lot of talent for a country artist to turn an '80s new wave/pop song into a stripped down country ballad, but Sturgill pulls it off beautifully. If you are a fan of authentic music, and tired of the watered down "country" coming out of Nashville these days, give Sturgill a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
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