Chris Stapleton
From A Room, Volume 1
Reviewed by: Lauren Rosier
When Traveller was released, Chris Stapleton wasn’t widely known to the country music scene. Fans of his work with the SteelDrivers were familiar with him and Nashville’s songwriters were familiar with him as a songwriter as well. He was successful, but it wasn’t until the 2015 CMA performance between Stapleton and Justin Timberlake that he exploded. Traveller went on to receive several awards from the Academy of Country Music to Billboard to the Grammys.
This is why From A Room, Volume I is the most highly anticipated country album of 2017. And Stapleton hasn’t let us down; From A Room, Volume I is a nine-track album of beautifully written songs paired with musical arrangements that are out of this world.
The record opens with the tender track, “Broken Halos”, part folk song and part Sunday morning anthem, the song opens with Stapleton singing gently layered over an acoustic guitar “seen my share of broken halos/folded wings that used to fly/they have gone/wherever they go/broken halos that used to shine”. It’s a beautifully simple opener that invites the listener into the rest of the album with arms wide open. He sings “we’re not meant to/know the answers/they belong to the bye and bye.”
Stapleton turns up the energy on “Second One To Know” and brings out the electric guitar that results in a solid Southern rock/folk track that’s soaked in reverb. He showcases his vocal range and hits the guitar solo out of the park.
“Up To No Good Livin’” is the drinking song of the record where Stapleton sings “I used to drink like a fish/and run like a dog/a whole lot of shit/not permitted by law/ people called me the Picasso of painting the town.” This track returns to traditional country music and channels booze loving George Jones.
Perhaps the center of the album, Stapleton switches gears on the tender “I Was Wrong” and admits how he was wrong to his significant other. Early die-hard fans may recognize this track from his time with the Jompson Brothers in 2010. “I Was Wrong” is the perfect mix of soul and R&B and also features some sick guitar and vocal skills from Stapleton.
Throughout the entire album, Stapleton highlights his vocal abilities, guitar work, and songwriting. He shows us why he hit country stardom so quickly with From A Room, Volume I and if Volume II is anything like this one, then we’re quite possibly watching a superstar rise in front of our eyes.
Rating: Iconic
