The Mountain

As a title, can't help but convey the great outdoors, which is surely 's intention. Last time he delivered an album, it was , a sleek and urban 2016 affair that found the singer/songwriter beginning to come to grips with an encroaching middle age, and while it was a commercial and artistic success, it was decidedly a city album. isn't. It's still a smooth, professional affair -- it was produced in part by , who helmed -- but the imagery plays upon the outdoors and the West, enough to suggest this was a deliberate move on 's part. If that wasn't enough of a hint, the country singer brought in , his collaborator on the 2010 bluegrass album , to produce the part of that didn't, signaling how intends to bridge the gap between his city and country sides. He's successful, because he winds up with a cunning and subtle blend of his craftmanship, country roots, and expansive musical interests. avoids both the humor and boozing that characterized his hits of the first half of the 2010s, choosing to pepper his songs of gratitude and love with earnest passion and telling little details (he falls in love on the L Train on "My Religion"). Generally, is so skillful and polished, the songs glide by without effort, so it takes a little close listening to realize how well crafted the individual songs are, and how they combine together to make one of 's best records. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine