Carll returns

What It Is

After 2016's uncharacteristically dour "Lovers and Leavers," Hayes Carll is back with his senses of humor and hope intact on this, his sixth album. A lot of that change in attitude probably has to do with his burgeoning relationship with fiancée Allison Moorer, which seems to be paying dividends both personally and professionally.(Although it probably precludes any type of great friendship with Steve Earle, who recently said of his ex, "She traded me in for a younger, ...

Lovers and Leavers

A style and sound can be deceptive. So it's little surprise that with his parched vocals, weary demeanor and songs that bear a sense of worn, ragged reflection, Hayes Carll doesn't come across like a man with an ample list of accomplishments. A recent Grammy nomination, a number of chart triumphs and some highly impressive accolades from the public and pundits alike suggest that Carll might be doing far better than he lets on. Nevertheless, the dourly named "Lovers and Leavers" ...

KMAG YOYO

The Houston-bred, Austin-based Hayes Carll is a true Texas troubadour. He stocks his four full-length (and second for Lost Highway) with character-rich tales full of humor and heartache. While there is nothing radically new in this set of shaggy dog songs, Carll continues to reveal his terrific way with words, making his music come vibrantly to life. There's a sense of Carll (or at least characters) pondering growing up and looking for something more out of life throughout this disc. ...