JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE

Harlem River Blues

[Bloodshot]

As evidenced by what is certainly his best album to date, Justin Townes Earle has put the brakes on his attitude and opted for a more traditional stance. Unabashedly emotional, these retro-minded songs could sub for old-school standards, each drawing on archetypal Americana styles ranging from bluegrass and classic country to blues, folk and gospel. They’re etched with bold strokes, mining a sound that recalls Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and, yes, Justin’s dad Steve Earle as well. Harlem River Blues is autobiographical to an extent, with evocative offerings like the title cut, “One More Night in Brooklyn,” “Working for the MTA” and “Rogers Park” clearly documenting Earle’s move from Nashville to New York. He’s at his most convincing on the rollicking title track, the foot-stomping hoe-down “Wanderin’” and the overtly yearning “Christchurch Woman.” But at all times, River rolls along smoothly. –LZ

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