The Nashville soul act The War and Treaty (Tanya Blount-Trotter and Michael Trotter Jr.) follow-up their acclaimed 2018 breakout Healing Tide with Hearts Town with another collection of songs that combine elements soul, folk, R&B, country gospel and rock’n’roll, culminating in a profoundly tenderhearted and hopeful album. Where Healing Tide was a joyful and positive LP that conveyed love, peace, and spiritual healing throughout the world, Hearts Town continues that message but shifts the focus toward a more personal dialogue about the challenges they’ve given each other. Hearts Town was self-produced along with their longtime music director Max Brown, and features a range of guest musicians like dobro legend Jerry Douglas (Alison Krauss and Union Station), guitarist Chris Eldridge (Punch Brothers), and singer/songwriter Jason Isbell. Standout tracks include: the rockin’ album opener “Yearning”; the Jason Isbell-assisted “Beautiful”; the stirring soulful track “Five More Minutes”; the acoustic gospel gem “Jubilee”; the bluesy ballad “Hey Pretty Moon”; the lively pop number “Jealousy”; the torch ballad vibed “Lonely in My Grief”; and the elegant folk song “Hustlin’.” Hearts Town may not be as striking as their raw debut Healing Tide, but it is still an excellent album that showcases their musical diversity, impressive talent, and uplifting message. – Written by JFelton
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