Sturgill Simpson’s bold evolution from his acclaimed 2014 album, Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, continues with A Sailor’s Guide to Earth. Where Metamodern redefined “outlaw country” with its sharp wit and world-weary perspective, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth marks a significant departure, navigating into uncharted musical waters. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music resonated deeply, inspiring similar albums like Chris Stapleton’s Traveller, yet Simpson’s sophomore effort possessed a darker, more profound quality, exploring existential themes and psychedelic insights. This blend of classic sounds with contemporary, often nihilistic themes, cemented its place as a standout release.
While Simpson could have comfortably remained within the sonic landscape of Metamodern, ensuring continued industry praise, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth showcases a remarkable shift in tone and a willingness to embrace creative risks. Moving beyond the traditional country influences of his earlier work—Simpson playfully dismisses comparisons to Waylon Jennings, noting his lack of familiarity with Jennings’ music—he embarks on a song cycle that draws from diverse sounds and songwriting styles absent from his first two albums. A Sailor’s Guide to Earth is deeply rooted in Simpson’s experiences in the Navy, particularly his time stationed in Japan. The album unfolds as a sailor’s heartfelt letter to his wife and newborn son, inspired by a letter from his own grandfather. This deeply personal narrative not only solidifies Simpson’s position as a leading songwriter but also reveals an artistic growth that transcends easy categorization.
The concept of A Sailor’s Guide to Earth—an album addressed to his son and wife—might initially seem sentimental, but the execution is profoundly beautiful and genuinely earnest. It effectively inverts the underlying sense of resignation found in Metamodern. The overall mood of A Sailor’s Guide to Earth is notably brighter, and the instrumentation, particularly on tracks like “Keep It Between the Lines,” is richer and more dynamic. The contributions from Sharon Jones’ backing band, the Dap-Kings, enhance the album’s sonic depth and rhythmic complexity, surpassing Simpson’s previous work. Producing the album himself, Simpson utilized his Atlantic Records budget to fully realize his artistic vision. Adding to the album’s adventurous spirit, side A culminates in a countrypolitan rendition of Nirvana’s “In Bloom.” This unexpected cover injects a jarring yet compelling moment into an album dedicated to his son, particularly with the lyric “Sell the kids for food.” Witnessing Simpson’s artistic stretch and triumph on A Sailor’s Guide to Earth is truly captivating.
Image alt text: Sturgill Simpson passionately singing into the microphone during a live concert performance, bathed in vibrant stage lighting.
