Texas Americana singer/songwriter Hayes Carll follows 2016’s “Lovers and Leavers” with his sixth album, What It is. The latest is filled with poetic lyrics, dry humor and unique perspectives on themes ranging from life and love to parenting and socio-political issues. What It Is was co-produced by singer/songwriter and partner Allison Moorer and Brad Jones (Josh Rouse, Tim Easton), both of whom co-wrote a handful of songs with Carll; it also features collaborations with Metraca Berg, Adam Landry, Lolo and Charlie Mars. Album highlights include: the ode to Allison Moorer on “None’ya”; the heartfelt lament “Jesus and Elvis”; the honky-tonk rocker “Times Like These”; the bluesy “Wild Pointy Finger”; a song about white male privilege in America, “Fragile Men”; the laidback country soul song “Things You Don’t Wanna Know”; and the gently fingerpicked closing track, “I Will Stay.” What It Is is another excellent album in Hayes Carll’s discography, proving that Carll has the staying power and talent of a modern legend. – Written by JFelton
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