Chris StapletonStarting Over

Part tender fingerpicking, part stinging blues-rock that flares up like the Allmans on a good night. 'Cold' creeps in on a somber piano figure that prowls like a Bond theme before Stapleton's baritone cuts loose. 'Maggie's Song' is about the family dog and will put a lump in your throat. 'Arkansas' channels Skynyrd with Mike Campbell adding guitar. Dave Cobb's warm analog production keeps it raw, and Morgane Stapleton's harmonies hover behind every line. Gut-deep and beautifully unfussy.