Good God
Rainstorm, 2026
9/10
The Austin musician Leeann Atherton brings her inimitable formula to these gospel hymns that aren’t short on southern flavor.
“Saved” opens the listen with Atherton’s rowdy delivery alongside frisky keys and plenty of backing vocals as she tells us all the questionable things she used to do, and “Drinkin’ That Wine” follows with a calmer mood via the soft guitar and Edward “Hot” Cleveland’s well timed drums.
Getting closer to the middle, “Call On The Lord” is a cozy moment that’s steeped in religion, while “I’ll Fly Away”, the album’s best, invites singing-along to the gospel that’s infectious.
Arriving late, “More Peace And Love” showcases Atherton’s powerful pipes in a call and response delivery that’s scrappy, and “Angel Band” exits with a stirring a cappella moment that pairs Atherton’s voice with Austin Storm Atherton.
An album that you could play at a church or a dancehall, Atherton’s background in twang, soul, gospel and blues, plus the nods to Mavis Staples and Sam Cooke, make for a really engaging body of work.
Travels well with: Sherri Harding- Storyland; Carmen Ratti- Come To Me