Songwriter, musician and singer Erin Enderlin nails old school country's sound and sorrow on Whiskeytown Crier. Co-produced by Jamey Johnson and Jim "Moose" Brown, it's an ideal blend of steel guitars and small town memories that fully highlights one of Nashville's unsung talents.
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The title Whiskeytown Crier might mean one of two things. Perhaps it's the album's hometown newspaper, turning inner-personal crises into headline-grabbing gossip. After all, Enderlin reports the truth in her own artistic way. Or it could mean there's ample bar-hopping and crying in this set of songs.
The latter interpretation certainly applies to "His Memory Walks on Water," featuring guest vocalist Chris Stapleton. It tells of a daughter forcing herself to ignore her late father's addiction issues as a coping mechanism.
Elsewhere on the album, "The Blues Are Alive and Well" mimics the vocal phrasing and lyrical pain of Merle Haggard. There's even a cover of one of the most earnest break-up anthems of them all, Tammy Wynette's "Till I Can Make It On My Own."
In addition to Stapleton, the album's star-studded supporting cast includes Randy Houser, Jon Randall and arguably the greatest traditionalist of them all, Ricky Skaggs.
Listen to our exclusive stream of Erin Enderlin's Whiskeytown Crier below.
Like Brandy Clark and Lori McKenna, Enderlin can tell a story as effectively as any Americana artist on the fringes. All three women also write hits for established superstars without altering their songwriting approach. Enderlin's most successful songs include Alan Jackson's "Monday Morning Church" and Lee Ann Womack's "Last Call."
Whiskey Crier is Enderlin's third solo album, following 2013's self-titled debut and sophomore effort I Let Her Talk. The latter's title track is a gorgeous duet with the late Joey Feek.
