NTTR - No Time to Review

Send a Prayer My Way , the collaborative debut from Julien Baker and Torres, is a heartfelt exploration of Southern identity, queerness, and faith. Rooted in traditional country instrumentation—pedal steel, fiddle, and acoustic guitar—the album reclaims the genre through a queer lens, with tracks like “Tuesday” and “Bottom of a Bottle” addressing themes of love, regret, and resilience. Baker and Scott’s harmonies are both intimate and defiant, offering a nuanced portrayal of personal and collective struggles. While some moments lean into familiar country tropes, the duo's authentic storytelling and emotional depth breathe new life into the genre. Overall, Send a Prayer My Way stands as a poignant testament to the power of music as a means of reclamation and self-expression Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 83th / 295 Highlight : Sugar in the Tank Made me think of: Brandi Carlile Waxahatchee Emmylou Harris​ #newalbum #newalbum2024 ...

"Mr. Luck & Ms. Doom" has been lauded for its vivid storytelling and evocative musical arrangements. Critics highlight the album's exploration of complex characters and narratives set against a backdrop of soulful melodies. The title track introduces listeners to a failed criminal and a depressed house cleaner who find solace in each other's company, showcasing the band's talent for crafting intimate, character-driven tales. Tracks like "Her Ponyboy" depict nomadic, tragic romances, with sparse instrumentation complementing Amy Boone's haunting vocals. "Left Hook Like Frazier" stands out as an uptempo number, juxtaposing lively rhythms with themes of addiction and abuse. The song "Sitting on the Curb" delves into betrayal and revenge, building emotional intensity through its blues-infused arrangement. The album's production, led by John Morgan Askew, enriches the band's country-soul sound with brass and string arrangem...

"Plus One" showcases The War and Treaty's exceptional ability to fuse genres, delivering an album rich in emotion and musical diversity. Critics praise the duo's powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting, highlighting tracks like "Love Like Whiskey," co-written with Miranda Lambert, and the energetic "Called You By Your Name." The album, recorded at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, benefits from its historic setting, adding depth to its sound. While some listeners note a preference for certain tracks over others, the overall reception celebrates the album's joyful energy and thematic cohesion. "Plus One" is lauded as a testament to love, hope, and the duo's artistic growth. Sources: No Depression Americana Highways Entertainment Focus Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 13th / 137 Highlight : Save Me Made me think of: Alabama Shakes Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night...

Sierra Ferrell's Trail of Flowers is a captivating exploration of Americana, seamlessly blending bluegrass, old-time, and country influences. The album features collaborations with artists like Nikki Lane and Lukas Nelson, enriching its diverse soundscape. Tracks such as "American Dreaming" and "Dollar Bill Bar" highlight Ferrell's vibrant songwriting and distinctive vocals, offering a nostalgic yet fresh listening experience. Overall, Trail of Flowers solidifies Ferrell's position in the Americana scene, showcasing her ability to honor traditional roots while infusing contemporary elements. https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/sierra-ferrell/trail-of-flowers-finds-sierra-ferrells-songwriting-more-vibrant-than-ever https://savingcountrymusic.com/album-review-sierra-ferrells-trail-of-flowers/ https://americanahighways.org/2024/03/28/review-sierra-ferrell-trail-of-flowers/ Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 3...

Willie Nelson’s "Last Leaf on the Tree" reflects on love, mortality, and the passage of time with a poignant yet resilient voice. Produced by his son Micah, the album pairs Willie’s emotive vocals and guitar with covers by artists like Tom Waits, Beck, and Neil Young. Standouts include Waits' “Last Leaf,” a somber meditation on survival, and Warren Zevon’s “Keep Me in Your Heart,” with tender violin backing. With guest musicians such as Daniel Lanois and John Densmore, this project offers both nostalgic warmth and experimental depth, underscoring Willie’s unique blend of soul and introspection Financial Times   The Arts Desk   Whiskey Riff   No Depression . Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict : 59% (Forgettable Album) Yearly Ranking : 650th / 823 Highlight : Wheels Made me think of: Johnny Cash Kris Kristofferson Bob Dylan #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #Americana #WillieNelson #US #LP #Alb...

Live from the Ryman, Vol. 2 is a powerful collection of performances from Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, capturing the energy and intimacy of their residency at the legendary Ryman Auditorium. The album features live versions of standout tracks from Weathervanes and Reunions , as well as a poignant cover of Tom Petty's "Room at the Top." Known for their deep emotional resonance and stellar musicianship, the band delivers dynamic renditions that amplify the raw, heartfelt nature of Isbell's songwriting. This album solidifies Isbell's place as a modern Americana icon, blending reflective lyrics with Southern rock flair​ ( Americana Highways ) ​ ( Resident Music ) ​ ( Premier Guitar ) . Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 259th / 727 Highlight : King of Oklahoma (Live) Made me think of: Drive-By Truckers Sturgill Simpson Ryan Adams #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #mu...

Woodland marks Gillian Welch and David Rawlings' first album of original material since 2017, showcasing their signature blend of minimalist folk and intricate guitar work. Recorded at their Nashville studio (rebuilt after a tornado in 2020), the album explores themes of loss, resilience, and the passage of time. Tracks like “Empty Trainload of Sky” and “What We Had” reflect on emotional standstills, while "The Day The Mississippi Died" and "Here Stands A Woman" delve into environmental and personal loss. Despite the fuller instrumentation—featuring strings, pedal steel, and drums—the duo retains their intimate, stripped-back sound, creating a record that feels deeply personal and reflective​ ( UNCUT ) ​ ( Americana Highways ) . Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 64% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 286th / 648 Highlight : What We Had Made me think of: Emmylou Harris John Prine Alison Krauss #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheda...

Blitzen Trapper's 100's of 1000's, Millions of Billions is an ambitious blend of psychedelic Americana and alt-country, marked by intricate arrangements and reflective lyrics. Inspired by Buddhist texts and a rediscovery of old tapes from the '90s, the album explores themes of rebirth and transcendence with a laid-back, meditative approach. Tracks like "Cosmic Backseat Education" and "Long Game" stand out for their emotional depth and nostalgic melodies. While the album's esoteric nature may challenge new listeners, it rewards those who appreciate complex, thought-provoking music​ ( The Spill Magazine ) ​​ ( mxdwn Music ) ​​ ( Glide Magazine ) ​​ ( The Bloomingtonian ) ​. Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 56% (Pleasant Album) Yearly Ranking: 553th / 599 Highlight : Cheap Fantastical Takedown Made me think of: Fleet Foxes Wilco Iron & Wine #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlayin...

Jake Xerxes Fussell's When I'm Called is a deeply rooted exploration of folk traditions, reimagined through his gentle, contemporary lens. The album captures a timeless quality, drawing from field recordings and traditional songs, yet Fussell breathes new life into these pieces with his warm vocals and minimalist arrangements. The collaboration with artists like Blake Mills and Joan Shelley enriches the album’s texture, blending historical reverence with modern sensibility. While the album occasionally skirts the line of becoming too reflective, it ultimately stands as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Southern folk music​ ( No Depression ) ​​ ( Treble ) ​​ ( Folk Alley ) ​. Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 53% (Pleasant Album) Yearly Ranking: 587th / 597 Highlight : Going to Georgia Made me think of: Joan Shelley Bonnie "Prince" Billy Kevin Morby #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #mu...

Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 64% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 220th / 554 Highlight : Gentle Violence Made me think of: Townes Van Zandt Steve Earle Ray LaMontagne #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #Americana #JohnMoreland #US #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 71% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 25th / 524 Highlight : American Nights Made me think of: Bruce Springsteen Jason Isbell The National #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #Americana #ZachBryan #US #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict : 71% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 19th / 440 Highlight : I Know You Know Made me think of: Iron & Wine Fleet Foxes Neil Young #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #Americana #BonnyLightHorseman #US #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 57th / 336 Highlight : One Night Stand Made me think of: Sturgill Simpson Jason Isbell Chris Stapleton #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #Americana #AdeemtheArtist #US #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 64% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 111th / 270 Highlight : To Get it Right Made me think of: Neil Young Bon Iver Father John Misty #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #Americana #Phosphorescent #US #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 63% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 82th / 141 Highlight : Alibi Made me think of: Torres Gillian Welch Tomberlin #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #Americana #HurrayForTheRiffRaff #US #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 62% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 512th / 974 Highlight : Never Gonna Fade Away Made me think of: Emmylou Harris Bonnie Raitt Patty Griffin #newalbum #newalbum2023 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #Americana #LucindaWilliams #US #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 57% (Pleasant Album) Yearly Ranking: 635th / 799 Highlight : Sierra's Theme Made me think of: Neil Young Leonard Cohen Tom Waits  

Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 60% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 498th / 787 Highlight : C ounty Road Made me think of: Brandi Carlile Courtney Marie Andrews Kacey Musgraves  

Genre : Americana Country : US Final Verdict: 61% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 441th / 736 Highlight : Santa Rosa Made me think of: Band of Horses Jason Isbell Amanda Shires