Singer-songwriter Valerie June follows her acclaimed 2013 debut Pushin’ Against a Stone with The Order of Time. This phenomenal 12 track collection again draws from southern culture while blending gospel, blues, pop, soul and Appalachian bluegrass with first-rate songwriting, musicianship and June’s sultry voice. Here June captures the leisurely pace of the south while adding African rhythms, spacey soundscapes and guest vocals from Norah Jones. Each song is a gem in and of itself, but its impact is best felt when listed to straight-through, with June’s tightly choreographed journey. That being said, a few highlights include: the bluesy soul on “Love You Once Made”; the slow amble of “Long Lonely Road”; the Nick Drake-esque strings on “With You”; the gentle vibe of “Got Soul”; and the blues rocking “Shakedown.” The Order of Time is an excellent and polished album from a young talent and will likely be one of my favorite albums of the year. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Carolina Chocolate Drops, Dom Flemons, Rhiannon Giddens, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Son Little