Writer Ryan McCahill’s take on the virtuoso bluegrass guitarist’s new double-album ranked No. 10 on Local Spins’ countdown of the year’s top stories. Revisit it here.
On a Fast Track: New dad Billy Strings released ‘Highway Prayers’ last week.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Our year-end countdown of Local Spins’ top music stories of 2024 continues today with No. 10, revisiting the October review of Billy Strings’ latest studio album. Follow reviewer Ryan McCahill’s Billy Strings posts on Instagram at love.andsound.
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Michigan’s Billy Strings fans have reveled in an incredible summer, whether witnessing his bluegrass guitar prowess on tour or catching one of his memorable sit-ins right here in Grand Rapids, from Greensky Bluegrass at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to two nights with Phish at Van Andel Arena.
But Billy Strings’ latest gift to his fans might just be his best yet: release of his double-album, “Highway Prayers.”
Coincidentally, this milestone arrived on the same weekend that Billy became a first-time dad, celebrating the birth of his son with wife, Ally. As if that weren’t enough to celebrate, Billy’s 32nd birthday also came just before two much-anticipated, home-state shows at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston.
The New Album: ‘Highway Prayers’
What Stands Out: As his first studio album on Reprise Records (a division of Warner Brothers), this album may very well be his most complete and well-rounded effort to date. Collaborating with highly skilled producer Jon Brion, who has worked with renowned artists such as Mac Miller, Frank Ocean, Beyoncé, Tom Petty and Fiona Apple, “Highway Prayers” benefits from his expert touch, resulting in an album that has the potential to endure for years to come. The album already has garnered widespread acclaim, including strong reviews from Rolling Stone magazine and a feature article in this month’s GQ. The album’s sheer versatility and range spans 20 tracks that blend old-school bluegrass with modern sensibilities. The guitarist and singer once again taps into his personal journey, much like he did on his Grammy Award-winning album “Home,” weaving autobiographical elements into his songs in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. Some original compositions could easily be mistaken for timeless bluegrass standards, reminiscent of Doc Watson or Bill Monroe. Yet, Billy’s unique touch breathes new life into the genre, making it accessible to both longtime bluegrass devotees and newcomers alike. “Gild the Lily” stands out instantly, feeling like a perfect fit for an iconic, future Judd Apatow movie soundtrack and carrying an infectious charm that could draw in fans who wouldn’t typically gravitate toward bluegrass. The song features self-reflective lyrics with depth similar to those found on “Stratosphere Blues / I Believe In You” released as few weeks ago as the album’s second single.
Another highlight: the instrumental track, “Malfunction Junction,” that feels like it could set the tone at future Billy Strings shows for years to come. It brings the upbeat sound of a bluegrass band playing in unison and provides a similar vibe to the song “Sally Goodin’,” which the band has used several times as a long instrumental show opener or transitional song played after solos or for one microphone vocal performances. The No. 1 charting song, “Leadfoot,” spawned a hilarious music video that has Billy showing off his range of string-picking skills as he plays the banjo, guitar, bass, steel guitar and ebow electric guitar (with Matt Chamberlin on drums being the only other musician on to the track). Several other songs already have been tested on the road throughout the year, with these polished studio versions now available for easy listening. Songs “In the Clear” and “Be Your Man” are beautifully crafted tracks that appeal to both modern bluegrass listeners and those who appreciate the genre’s traditional roots. Meanwhile, “Catch and Release,” “My Alice” and “Cabin Song” (which appeared on the latest “Hunger Games” soundtrack) provide a sense of familiarity to those who’ve followed Billy’s live shows the past few years. And in a method most notably used by The Grateful Dead, the addition of the road-tested “Gone A Long Time” provides a studio version of a song that has been played live over 40 times live since first debuting in Atlanta in 2021. Written by Billy and the band’s skillful mandolist, Jarrod Walker, on the way to the show, this song has delighted fans in numerous states and countries with Billy often changing the opening lyrics to the location of the current show, while always giving a nod to his early days in northern Michigan with the lyric, “just came from Traverse City, now I’m Withlacoochee bound” in the third verse. Billy also pays homage to his Michigan roots on the instrumental, “Escanaba,” written while spending time with family up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The album closes with “Richard Petty” — a call to action and reminder that change is possible — which has become a special moment at his live shows, often performed with the band huddled around a single microphone.
William Apostol, aka Billy Strings. (Photo/Alysse Gafjken)
Digging Deeper: Billy Strings solidifies his place not only as a bluegrass icon, but as an artist who transcends genres with an album that will resonate with both his dedicated fanbase and new listeners alike. Packed with emotion, musical brilliance and depth, it’s worthy of multiple listens. And fans of the jam portions of Billy Strings’ live shows will gravitate toward several new songs that offer up opportunities for improvisational creativity during future concerts. Songs such as “Seven Weeks In County” already have shown their ability to transform from a four-minute album track to extended versions that let loose and last upwards of 12 minutes live. Billy’s uber-talented bandmates on the album — Billy Failing (banjo), Royal Masat (bass), Jarrod Walker (mandolin) and Alex Hargreaves (fiddle) — each played an important part on the album, so fans will no doubt be excited to hear their contributions played live this fall. Anticipation runs high for a live rendition of “Stratosphere Blues/I Believe in You” as well, a song that departs from the norm and spotlights Billy’s personal journey — artistically displayed in a music video that was shot in Billy’s hometown. Finally, the opening track, “Leaning On a Travelin’ Song,” and “The Beginning of the End,” serve as perfect bookends, almost as if the entire album were structured like an epic live show.
Perfect For: Diehard Billy Strings fans, indie-music lovers seeking to expand their horizons, and anyone who wants an album for a road trip that you won’t have to skip, including several songs with the capacity to cross over to mainstream success.
Website: https://www.billystrings.com/
Listen: “Gild the Lily”
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