1) Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall, “The Marfa Tapes” / This trio of country artists calls you over to their campfire for a casual yet intimate set of acoustic numbers, complete with rich harmonies and scattered laughter. Some artists make vanity projects—this is the exact opposite, a testimony to the power unleashed by going simple and soulful.
2) McKinley Dixon, “For My Mama and Anyone Who Look Like Her” / This Virginia-based rapper-composer has been turning out terrific hip-hop albums for years; this might be one of the great recent triumphs of the form. Dixon creates swirling soundtracks from rap, jazz and soul, then draws the listener to the eye of the storm, conversing with them in personal tones that unlock universal truths.
3) Natalie Bergman, “Mercy” / “Mercy” exists somewhere between folk and gospel, a fascinating and overtly religious musical document that relies on the Spirit’s power. Bergman delivers her modern hymns in a mostly affectless—yet still charming—voice, blending reverence and irreverence in ways that feel more authentic than most church music.
4) Terry Tempest Williams, “Erosion” / The great memoirist and environmental writer mingles those forms to staggering effect in a recent collection. Williams catalogs the many ways our planet—and our souls—suffer from weather and human fingerprint. An exemplary, unnerving, ultimately hopeful work.
5) Chelsea Bieker, “God Shot” / Anyone who grew up within the confines (friendly or not) of organized religion will shiver while reading Bieker’s novel. A 14-year-old girl guides us through daily reckonings with cult-like leaders, childlike faith, very adult obligations, misogyny, sex and coming of an age in an age that wants to devour you. The prose is soulful; its implications are devastating. In fact, Bergman’s “Mercy” might just be the right soundtrack for spending time with this one.