The Phoenix
Black Opry/Thirty Tigers, 2024
9/10
The Tennessee artist Jett Holden delivers an impressive debut album, where his roots and country ways address plenty of current social and political topics with some excellent guest spots.
“Taxidermy” starts the listen with a response to police brutality, where Holden’s powerful voice is met with warm acoustic guitar, and it isn’t long before “Karma” welcomes Cassadee Pope and thumping drums for the crisp, country-rock nods.
Halfway through, the rich and melodic “Scarecrow” uses eloquent storytelling amid the intimate textures, while “When I’m Gone” recruits Emily Scott Robinson to the dreamy climate that benefits from emotive pedal steel.
Close to the end, “West Virginia Sky” comes with both grit and beauty, as keys and steel guitar mix with wonder and awe, and “Backwood Proclamation” exits with Charlie Worsham and John Osborne in attendance for the crunchy and rugged finish.
An first album that’s full of anthemic qualities and much sincerity, there’s little doubt that Jett Holden will make a fan out of anyone willing to listen.
Travels well with: Joe Ely- Driven To Drive; Melissa Carper- Borned In Ya