Iris DeMent is considered one of the finest singer-songwriters of her generation and one of the key artists that inspired the alt-country movement. Sing the Delta is DeMent’s first album of original material in 16 years following 1996’s The Way I Should. The songs seamlessly blend emotion and melody, drawing inspiration from her family relationships, struggles with faith, reflections and everyday experiences. A few notable tracks are “Mama Was Always Telling Her Truth”, a heartfelt tribute to her mother; “Go on Ahead and Go Home” which has a slight New Orleans vibe; the mournful “Before the Colors Fade”; “The Night I Learned How Not to Pray” about a young girl witnessing the passing of her brother; and the classic country inspired “Makin’ My Way Back Home.” DeMent’s songs are timeless, plaintive and soulful and together the collection on Sing the Delta is one of the year’s most satisfying. – Written by JFelton
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