The Civil Wars’ album “Barton Hollow” is brilliance. The duo of Joy Williams and John Paul White create an amazing folk vibe, with hints of pop, country, and soul.
This album is overall on the slower side, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it diminishes the impact. The songs are hard hitting. Joy and John harmonize with beautiful perfection. Lyrically, they’re brilliant. I don’t think I can find one thing about this album that I don’t like, except maybe the fact that I took so long to buy it. “I’ve Got This Friend” is an upbeat tune that really grabs you. “Barton Hollow” also catches your attention. Compared to the rest of the album, this is their most aggressive song, but it has so much soul. “C’est La Mort” begins with a very pretty piano intro, and leads into an enchanting song. “Poison & Wine” has a feeling of longing, really gripping around your heart strings. I could go on and on about each song on this album.
Basically an instant favourite for anyone who enjoys their style, The Civil Wars have perfected their art form. From harmonies, to the plucking of each guitar string, to when each vocalist should cut in or out, everything is perfectly placed. This is just one of those albums you can’t stop listening to.
For fans of: Howler, Chuck Ragan, The Wooden Sky
