USA, 2016, country soul / alt-country / progressive country

This is as good as his first two perfect albums, but it’s certainly different. It’s country that’s not afraid to offend its listening base, both lyrically and musically. So many great lines that speak to me. And that voice: so pure, so effortlessly real. This album is basically a father’s metaphorical lovesong to his beloved son. Oh, and this might be the first time a country song referenced Tokyo neighborhoods. That last track, too… conjuring some John Prine anti-war brilliance there.