The Drive-By Truckers’ 12th album, English Oceans, sees co-lead singer Mike Cooley sharing more of the songwriting duties with frontman Patterson Hood. The southern country rockers turn out 13 tunes, with Cooley’s smart but plainspoken style – which gives English Oceans a call and response vibe – playing against Hood’s more literary approach, with both featuring characters struggling to make sense of the world. Highlights include: the opening track and blue collar rocker “Shit Shots Count”; the Tom Petty-esque “Pauline Hawkins”; the tender “When Walter Went Crazy”; the politically charged “Made Up English Oceans”; and the closer, “Grand Canyon.” After nearly two decades together, the Drive-By Truckers show us that they are still capable of mixing things up and showing off new sides of the band and their talents. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Patterson Hood, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Son Volt, Two Cow Garage, Uncle Tupelo