ZBB finds "Welcome Home" in second

Higher

There was a bit of a controversy at the recent CMAs when Chris Stapleton beat out Morgan Wallen for best male vocalist, especially after Wallen had such a huge year, commercially speaking. Yes, one can make the case that Wallen is the most popular male singer in country music these days. However, when it comes to pure singing, Stapleton is arguably the genre's most naturally talented singer. He doesn't really need any more proof of that, of course, but his "Higher" album ...

The Comeback

If you have even a passing familiarity of Zac Brown's personal history starting around 2018, you know the inspiration for this CD's title. First, Brown's 12-year marriage collapsed. Then, the world shook its collective head when he released a solo pop record ("Controversy") simultaneous to a ZBB release ("The Owl"). Why saturate the market with oneself, especially when the solo outing was a mess? The cover of that pop/hip-hop experimentation said it all: Brown, ...

Startin' Over

Chris Stapleton's "Starting Over" release is one of those rare beauties of an album, where your favorite track may change from day to day. All of 'em are just that great. It is, simply put, Stapleton's best full-length to date. You may love the title track, which puts flesh and bone onto the 'better luck next time' wish. Then again, the spiritual truth contained within the Creedence Clearwater Revival-esque "Devil Always Made Me Think Twice" might also ...