For those who are unfamiliar with this folksy indie artist, Ray LaMontangne has quietly become one of indie's rising soulful artists. Reportedly, LaMontagne picked up music after hearing a Stephen Stills song and quitting his job at a local shoe factory in order to pursue his music. Since then, he has produced 5 albums, all of which have gone on to become hits in their own right.
His earlier music such as his U.K. hit, Trouble, and his U.S. Top 14 hit, Till the Sun Turns Black, have been often heard on television shows. Most recently, his music has been heard in a recent episode of NBC's Parenthood.
Ray LaMontagne's latest effort, God Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise, has already become a hit. It topped the iTunes albums chart for weeks after its release. The album is filled with his usual soulful tracks, but these ones seem to have a different connection compared to other songs of his recent albums. He seems to really connect with this album more than any other, and fans are certainly noticing. Granted, this album isn't a huge risk of any sort; it fits quite well into everything LaMontagne has written in the past.
For that, I give his album a solid B+. I think that there is better to come from him, although this album is certainly a stellar one.
Favorite Tracks: This Love is Over, For the Summer, Repo Man, Beg Steal or Borrow