Justin Townes Earle’s latest album, The Saint of Lost Causes, follows his critically acclaimed 2017 Kids in The Street release with a diverse collection of songs that includes a little bit of traditional country, blues and folk to western swing. The Saint of Lost Causes was co-produced with longtime engineer Adam Bednarik at the legendary Sound Emporium in Nashville, TN. While Earle self-described this as his most personal album to date, the LP focuses more outwardly on the part of America that makes-up the disenfranchised, oppressed, and marginalized. Notable tracks include: the tale of a drugstore robber turned cop-killer praying for forgiveness in “Appalachian Nightmare”; the power of Michigan perseverance on “Flint City Shake It”; a mother dreaming of a better life on “Over Alameda”; the story of an NYC based Cuban man weighed down by regret on “Ahi Esta Mi Nina”; a tale of a down-on-his-luck man trying to get to New Orleans on “Ain’t Got No Money”; and a song about “sons of bitches” in West Virginia poisoning the land and sea on “Don’t Drink The Water.” United in adversity and struggle, Earle’s protagonists fight and stand up for their rights, and what’s right, in pursuit of a better life. To quote Earle directly, “I was trying to look through the eyes of America…Because I believe in the idea of America – that everybody’s welcome here and has a right to be here.” The Saint of Lost Causes is one of Earle’s most thoughtful and affecting albums to date – a definite must have. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Hayes Carll, The Felice Brothers, Jason Isbell, Josh Ritter, Todd Snider