This is an "in case you missed it" thing...

I was disappointed with Chris Stapleton's first record - the world disagreed, since it has spent 107 weeks on the charts - most of that at #1.
It was just bumped from the #2 spot by his new one.

But... I was disappointed because I felt that it did not capture his true talent - his vocal.
Live, with just a guitar, he can "blow you away".
The music (production) did not (for me) "show off" who and what Chris Stapleton is.
It was close - after all it was Dave Cobb producing - but, I thought, "missed the mark".
Slightly. But enough. Subtle. But enough. (personal opinion, of course).

This new record does EXACTLY what the first one should have...lets Stapleton SHINE.
I think they GOT IT RIGHT this time (again, my opinion).

I would think that most everyone here (this forum) would enjoy this record.
It's "Soulful-Country-Blues'n'Rock-Singer-Songwriter".

The productions (of the various songs) would serve as good "sound templates" if you want to present your own material in sparse, subtle productions (which many here appear to prefer).
The biggest "problem" is that Stapleton's VOICE is so much a part of what makes these work. Not many people (in the world!) have that... Lawrence (gruverider) is the only one (here) I can think of who approaches that...

Anyway... this is worth a listen.
It is the kind of record (coming on the heels of the success of the first one) that could change the direction of current Country.



1. "Broken Halos" (Chris Stapleton · Mike Henderson) 3:00
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI0TeFf6uD8

2. "Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning" (Gary P. Nunn · Donna Sioux Farar) 4:15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi9iBKa0Xtw

3. "Second One to Know" (Stapleton · Henderson) 2:56
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISDXB9RGL_E

4. "Up to No Good Livin'" (Stapleton · Casey Beathard) 4:05
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOWS7tSinzs

5. "Either Way" (Stapleton · Tim James · Kendall Marvel) 4:08
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7LoWH0nMrE

6. "I Was Wrong" (Stapleton · Craig Wiseman) 3:11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IhQrVeXn2M

7. "Without Your Love" (Stapleton · Henderson) 3:51
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4oGoiN4JtM

8. "Them Stems" (Stapleton · Jimmy Stewart · Shawn Camp) 3:00
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDlgSeIhTeU

9. "Death Row" (Stapleton · Henderson) 4:03
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_TsUb0T95E

I loved this album at first listen,

still haven't made my way thru all of it,

but it's so good.

Ah, see... I knew I was forgetting someone!

Kenny Leverett (44kfl) has that kind of voice, too! He could pull this style off...

Thanks for posting this, floyd. It's really excellent. I'm working my way through the list now. And you're right.... Kenny could pull this off for sure. Also, my ears are telling me that your productions shine just as bright and confident as this, too!

I listened to every one of the songs and at the end of each song I was thinking "Alright, this is it, my very favorite", but after listening to the entire album I must confess, "They're all my favorite"....


Kajun Jeaux

THanks for the post, Floyd. We've listened to the first twp tracks. Will be back for more. He definitely has a signature sound. Just listened to track#3 before writing this sentence and hot a certain - although the music is a bit different, has voice has a touch of Joe Stampley in my ears.

Anyway, we loved it so far. Will be back for more. Thanks!

Alan & Di

PS: You're right about Kenny's voice. It has definite signature and it's a great listen. And your voice is pretty distinctive, too. When i bring up one of your cuts, by the 2nd word Di says "Floyd again - turn it up!"

ALan