And just so I could get caught up with all the hip kids I listened to Chris Stapleton's record next. It's ok. Tennessee Whiskey is fun. But, damn, "Daddy Doesn't Pray Anymore." Now there's a song.

There was a recent thread about new music talent that made the same impact as you describe and Sturgill was immediately brought up too. So far i only heard 2 tracks from "A Sailor's Guide To Earth" and i have to agree. Especially because it's indeed difficult to put a label on it. And while sometimes such genre bending / mixing music appears forced or contrived his music really remains natural / the real deal. Difficult to describe. But it's so cool to hear a song in which an artist throws a curveball and changes the song completely half way like he does in "Welcome To Earth" because the vast majority of (pop) music is much more predictable and generic. A major talent.

I just got High Top Mountain and have played it non stop. Sturgill is great. His stuff isn't contrived bullshit like most country music these days.

Stapleton's songwriting is weak imo compared to SS.

I really like Sturgill's new album as well , got tickets to see him in August in a small club , really looking forward to that .

Stapleton's songwriting is weak imo compared to SS.

Based solely upon comparing the two most recent releases, agreed. Not even close.

YUP! I recently posted a similar topic but this is a pretty slow board now.

Metamodern Sounds in Country Music set the hook deep for me. Sailors Guide is just awesome. I can't wait to see him again in Sept with the horns! It is so good it helped offset my disappointment the 'underwhelming" last release from Jason Isbell - of course Southeastern would be VERY hard to follow-up. Stapleton is ok, but in neither of the former's leagues IMHO.