Fathers & Sons in Bloomington, MN

Appearing on Father's Day Weekend 2024,
Fathers & Sons
functions as something of a coda to the twin albums
Growin' Up
and
Gettin' Old
-- a record that places a premium on life's continuity by spotlighting the changing of generations. Such naked sentimentality suits
Luke Combs
, a country singer who always emphasizes tradition without losing sight of modern mores. With its hushed tone and unapologetic earnestness,
also feels like a sequel to "Fast Car," his reverent cover of
Tracy Chapman
's contemporary folk classic.
Combs
rarely picks up the tempo over the course of these 40 minutes, yet he doesn't wallow in a melancholy mire, nor does he drift away in self-absorbed reflection. These 12 songs are sweet and sincere, balancing hopes for the future with stories that are handed down through the generations. The pivot is "Whoever You Turn Out to Be," where
talks about his dreams for his children and comes to the realization that it's fine if his kid doesn't wind up sharing the same tastes or lifestyles. That kind of empathy underpins
, making this quiet record unusually affecting. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine