The Way I’m Livin’-Lee Ann Womack (Sugar Hill)

Far and away the greatest Country record released in the month of May. And it’s by one of the finest, most honest and pure Country voices in this world. The construction of this record is a thing of joy. At the beginning, it’s clearly influenced by Blue Ridge Mountain folk, a respectful nod to heritage. Then, it begins to evolve. There at the 1:50 mark, hear what’s done with the arrangement. The orchestra comes in like something of the late Beatles productions or the groups they influenced with their more complex and sophisticated compositions. It’s really quite remarkable, nay genius to be able to pull off something like this. It could’ve been a mess. Instead it is a record of passion, beauty and high art. I can’t wait to hear what Lee Ann and her new team have been working on.