Album Review: Starting Over - Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton has quickly established himself as the current king of country music. Often more introspective and metaphorical than his colleagues, Stapleton’s masterful songwriting and heartfelt delivery come together to create compelling and textured songs. His newest album Starting Over, which features a stripped-back and minimalist cover, is really more of a natural evolution from what made Stapleton’s music so beloved by fans in the past. While not every track shines, the wonderfully arranged composition of most songs makes for a great listen.
The album’s opening title track “Starting Over” eases the listener into the project but reintroduces them to Stapleton’s instantly-recognizable voice. Typical country tropes are used here, but when assembled carefully, create a fresh take on a tried-and-true country song recipe. Things pick up quickly, though, like a plane taxiing and then going fast enough to take flight. “Devil Always Made Me Think Twice” is a clever and somewhat sinister country bluegrass banger with great guitar licks and backing drums. As this song transitions into track #3, it becomes clear that there is no rigid sonic theme being followed, but instead, every track has something unique and special to offer. “Cold” is one of my favorite songs on the album. Its killer chorus is delivered remarkably from Stapleton, who is truly putting his all into this track. The string accompaniment is included tastefully and skillfully, making this track quite special.
“When I’m With You” is a down-on-your-luck anthem made sweet, but wanders a little too slowly for my liking. It’s not that this track is bad, per se, but instead just lacks the quality that the first three readily supplied. Stapleton’s lyricism is a highlight here, though, as his direct delivery is potent as it sticks the landing. Luckily, the album’s tempo increases yet again with “Arkansas.” This is a nostalgic and energetic banger perfect equipped to be featured on any road trip playlist. “Joy Of My Life” reminds me of a Jason Isbell track with its acoustic guitar and compassionate lyrical content. It’s hard not to think of your special person when listening to this track, which was the point.
“Hillbilly Blood” is an interesting track where Stapleton reflects on his heritage and culture in an introspective and critical manner. While not necessarily ashamed of his upbringing, Stapleton begins the themes of detaching from the lifestyle he grew up knowing, which continue later on. We take a sharp turn on the next track “Maggie’s Song”, which punched me in the face emotionally. The story of his late dog Maggie should bring tears to the eyes of all non-sociopathic listeners; it’s a real tear-jerker. “Run Maggie run, with the heart of a rebel child. Run Maggie run, be just as free as you are wild”… like, are you serious? 2020’s tough enough without your ridiculously well-written and sad lyrics. Good stuff.
“Whiskey Sunrise” tells the story of the morning after a night of indulgence. Its backing instrumentation is rugged and impressive throughout, pairing well with Stapleton’s hard-hitting vocals. “Worry B Gone” is a funky track that doesn’t resonate much with me but doesn’t take me out of things too severely. “Old Friends” is a partial spoken-word track, which is a risky play on an album like this. Luckily, Stapleton’s delivery fits with the tone established so far, and the well-written lyrics allow for an emotionally resonant track here.
“Watch You Burn” is one of the most passionate tracks I’ve heard in a long time, as Stapleton rips into the Mandalay Bay shooter and basically tells him that he will burn in hell one day. The ferocious guitar lick and drums in the chorus are spectacular, and this track deals with sensitive subject matter masterfully. “You Should Probably Leave” is a low point on the album for me, as it sounds like a typical country radio track, which generally leads me away from the genre. The subject matter is just so surface-level here that I can’t enjoy it. “Nashville, TN”, on the other hand, is an exceptional closer to this album and continues the theme of letting go beautifully. Stapleton has effectively written a love letter and a goodbye to his formative city of Nashville. Although I’m not attached to that city, feelings of attachment and maturation portrayed here are very relatable and resonant with me. Great closer.
On Starting Over, Chris Stapleton continues to impress me. Artists like Jason Isbell, The Highwomen, and Stapleton make me question whether my impulse to deny listening to country music is valid or reasonable. I’m not sure it is at this point, because this stuff is just too great to not give an occasional listen. I highly recommend you check out this album.
Favorite tracks: “Starting Over”, “Devil Always Made Me Think Twice”, “Cold”, “Arkansas”, “Hillbilly Blood”, “Maggie’s Song”, “Whiskey Sunrise”, “Old Friends”, “Watch You Burn”, “Nashville, TN”
SCORE: Light 8/10