I was pleased to hear that Chris Stapleton released a new album on 13 November 2020. Here is my review… Enjoy and stay musical.
Starting Over
I smile as this song starts as I hear the unique and unmistakeable voice of Mr Stapleton. The tone of his voice is one that can’t be recreated. This is a great song to start the album off with. The beautiful vocals of Chris’ wife Morgane are mesmerising too and their voices complement each other perfectly.
“Someday we’ll look back and smile and know it was worth every mile.”
Devil Always Made Me Think Twice
A song that is a mix of blues, rock, country and bluegrass, this track would definitely get people’s feet tapping. It taps into the dark part of each of our souls and no matter who we are or where we come from, we all get tempted with sin every now and then.
“I knew you were trouble, but you’re just the kind of trouble I crave.”
Cold
I can imagine this song would touch anyone that has ever felt heartbreak in their lives. The words are simple, but powerful. After all, the best songs are the ones that we can relate to, aren’t they? Feelings and emotions that you know you’ve felt too: love, heartache, betrayal and despair.
“Why you got to go and cut me like a knife?”
When I’m With You
As someone who has recently had a birthday, the first line of the song hit me. Even though I’m not as old as Chris, it stirred up a feeling inside me that none of us are getting any younger and I’m immediately questioning the decisions I’ve made in my life.
It’s songs like this one that reminds me why I love country music. The lyrics take you back to the good times and the bad times and makes you reflect on life.
The message I get from this song is that you have to go through the darkness to find the light, and you appreciate the light so much more.
“The places I’ve been, there’s some I’d go back to and some where I won’t go again.”
Arkansas
I’m grateful for the change in tempo in this song. After a couple of mellow tracks, it makes a nice reprieve. My feet start tapping again. Chris is so convincing that I tell myself I’ve gotta get myself down to Arkansas too as soon as the world opens up again (but only after I’ve been to Nashville and New Orleans – they’re at the top of my list).
“All the boys and the girls down there sure do know how to have a ball”
Joy of My Life
A beautiful love song that in its entire 4 minutes and 34 seconds, is about nothing but classical and pure love that everyone deserves to find.
“Might not get to Heaven, but I walked with the angels that day.”
Hillbilly Blood
My least favourite song on the album so far. There’s no emotional connection for me in the lyrics, but the music is well written and put together. I’d like to listen to just the instrumental track.
“There ain’t livin’, there’s just survival, doesn’t matter if you do or die.”
Maggie’s Song
Another song that doesn’t connect with me, I’m afraid. Chris wrote it after their dog passed away. I’ve never had a pet, so I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose one. It’s obvious there is a lot of emotion in this song. I know that this song will be popular with a lot of people who have been through something like this.
“Oh, run, Maggie run, be just as free as you are wild.”
Whiskey Sunrise
A classic Chris Stapleton song. There is a sadness and wisdom about his voice that makes you believe every word he says.
“And the more that I look, the more it gets clearer: pride made a fool out of me.”
Worry B Gone
After one listen, I put this song on repeat and I’m singing along before it ends. It sounds like it would be a good anthem to the whole of 2020!
“I got a world of trouble I need to forget. I’m on my way, but I ain’t there yet.”
Old Friends
The verses in this song are spoken by Chris and the chorus is sung by Chris and Morgane. A very different style of song, but one that I instantly like and makes me smile.
“Old friends, they shine like diamonds. Old friends, you can always call.”
Watch You Burn
An incredibly powerful song. From the very first line, it condemns gun violence in America and references the Vegas shooting in 2017. I agree with his sentiment. These crimes are nothing but horrendous, cowardly and appalling. A gospel choir joins in and adds depth to the already profound lyrics. A must listen.
“Only a coward would pick up a gun and shoot up a crowd trying to have fun.”
You Should Probably Leave
I first heard this song a while ago, on you tube – Chris and Morgane were singing it live at Musicians Corner in Nashville. I am happy to see this song on this album and the slightly different arrangement was refreshing.
“’Cause I know you and you know me and we both know where this is gonna lead.”
Nashville, TN
Is Chris saying goodbye to Music City forever? This chilled out song is full of nostalgia and is a nice end to a good album.
“You showed me how to write a song. We wrote some right, we wrote some wrong.”
Overall review:
9/10 An impressive album from an extraordinarily talented musician. Well done Chris!