Songs Of A Simple Life
Pinecastle, 2021
8/10
Listen to Songs Of A Simple Life
The bluegrass outfit Merle Monroe made quite an impression with their 2019 debut, Back To The Country, and this sophomore album continues their strong song craft where firm nods to Merle Haggard and Bill Monroe are thankfully still present and very appreciated.
“Hello Sunshine” starts the listen swift and glorious, as precise mandolin and flowing guitar complement the soaring vocal harmonies, and “Goodbye Marie” follows with warm banjo and much emotion entering the reflective climate.
In the middle, “Harlin Darlin’” benefits much from the moody fiddle as upbeat banjo acrobatics make this one of the album’s best, while “(I’d Be) A Legend In My Time” burns slow and gentle, where much beauty surrounds the introspective songwriting. “Sings His Praises Forever” then places a significant gospel influence into the rural song craft where dynamic interaction between the strings won’t go unnoticed.
At the end, the country rockin’ “Forget About You” bounces with a playful, timeless spirit, and “God’s Still In Control” exits the listen sublime, wise and stirring in its gorgeous exit.
Not so surprisingly, 3 singles here have already charted at number one, and the entire album is top notch bluegrass from beginning to end, as founding members Daniel Grindstaff and Tim Raybon and company are in peak form.
Travels well with: The Farm Hands- 4.0; Wilson Banjo Co.- Six Degrees Of Separation