It is hard to describe just how mind-blowing this album is. It will take you back to the outlaw days of the 1970's with it's killer lead vocals, amazing telecaster work, and the most thought provoking lyrics you've heard since Willie Nelson's last concept album. Sturgill is one of the saviors of country music, and he'll be here for a long time to come. Now I'll get to my review of each song.
1)Turtles All the Way Down- Although this became Sturgill's most popular single, in my opinion, it's not the best on the album. The lyrics are about religion, LSD, DMT, love, evolution, God, and other subjects. Sturgill isn't really your typical Christian country singer, so this song might seem strange to many listeners. Musically though, it's great.
2)Life of Sin- Turtles all the way down may have turned a few listeners off, but this honky Tonk hell raiser will bring them back. With a charging lead guitar line, and a super catchy chorus, this is the most fun song on the album. Definitely one of my favorites.
3)Living the Dream- Another fun song, living the dream pairs great guitar work with great lyrics, which say "Ain't no point in gettin' outa bed, if you ain't livin' the dream". This one really will make you think of old Waylon.
4)Voices- This is one of my favorite songs on the album. Now, I'm not sure what Sturgill originally meant to say In this song, but it always makes me think of politics, especially today, when the two most popular presidential candidates are both terrible(Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump). It's just a beautiful song, and one of the best on the album.
5)Long White Line- This is my favorite song on the album. It's a cool road tripping song, with really good guitar fills and solos. Sturgill sounds so much like Waylon Jennings on
this track that most people will probably think the Hoss is singing.
6)The Promise- Yes, this is a cover of the 80's pop/rock ballad, redone as an acoustic country song. If you're like me, you probably won't realize how good the lyrics are until you've heard them sung without the synthesizers and cheese of the 80's. Great cover.
7)A Little Light- Although very short, this is one of my favorite songs on the album. With great, spiritual lyrics in the vein of Will the Circle be Unbroken, and a killer guitar solo, this song is a lot of fun.
8)Just Let Go- This is a nice song about letting go of your problems and moving forward. The melody is just beautiful, as are the guitar fills. Great song.
9)It Ain't All Flowers- I know plenty of people like this song, but it's my least favorite on the album for two reasons. One reason is because it's an electronic/dubstep(I'm not really sure what genre to put it in) song, which really isn't my style, and the second is because it just doesn't seem to fit in the album. I guess it's a fine song is you like that style of music.
10)Panbowl- Why is this a bonus track!!! It's one of the best on the album. This song about missing home and the old days will immediately make you think of Waylon and Willie. Perfect Close.
Well, there's my review. I'm my opinion, this is the best country album that has been released in years! Don't hesitate, buy it, and listen to it again and again!