Sturgill Simpson, an artist celebrated for dragging outlaw country into the modern era with his groundbreaking album Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, took a surprising and rewarding turn with his 2016 release, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth. While Metamodern Sounds established Simpson as a force with its acid-tongued clarity and world-weary humor, Sturgill Simpson’s Sailor’s Guide to Earth charts a new course, revealing an unprecedented artistic growth and emotional depth. This wasn’t just another country album; it was a profound personal statement that defied easy categorization and solidified Simpson’s position as a leading songwriter of his generation.
Where Metamodern Sounds in Country Music explored darker, sometimes nihilistic themes, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth emerges with a brighter, more earnest tone. Simpson could have easily continued down the path of his critically acclaimed sophomore album, churning out similar sounds to industry applause. Instead, he chose to embark on a far more ambitious and vulnerable project. Sturgill Simpson’s Sailor’s Guide to Earth is conceived as a song cycle, drawing inspiration from his time in the Navy and framed as a letter from a sailor to his wife and newborn son. This concept, loosely based on a letter from his grandfather to his grandmother, might sound sentimental on paper, but the album resonates with genuine emotion and artistic bravery.
This deeply personal narrative marks a significant departure from the turtle-counting, Waylon Jennings comparisons that initially defined Simpson’s public image. While acknowledging the outlaw country influences in his earlier work, Sturgill Simpson’s Sailor’s Guide to Earth showcases a broader musical palette and songwriting style previously unheard in his discography. The album’s brilliance lies in its ability to maintain Simpson’s signature authenticity while venturing into uncharted sonic territories.
The instrumentation on A Sailor’s Guide to Earth is notably richer and more dynamic than Simpson’s previous work. Tracks like “Keep It Between the Lines” feature the unmistakable rhythmic backbone of Sharon Jones’ backing band, the Dap-Kings, adding layers of boldness and density. This sonic expansion, driven by Simpson’s own production instincts and Atlantic Records budget, pushes the boundaries of what was expected from him. The result is a sound that is both vintage and contemporary, soulful and country, showcasing Simpson’s willingness to experiment and evolve.
Perhaps one of the most talked-about moments on Sturgill Simpson’s Sailor’s Guide to Earth is his unexpected cover of Nirvana’s “In Bloom.” Positioned at the climax of side A, this countrypolitan rendition is a jarring yet thrilling inclusion. Hearing Simpson sing lines like “Sell the kids for food” in the context of an album dedicated to his son underscores the album’s complex emotional landscape and Simpson’s artistic fearlessness. This willingness to stretch boundaries, to incorporate seemingly disparate elements, is what makes Sturgill Simpson’s Sailor’s Guide to Earth such a captivating and ultimately successful artistic statement.
In conclusion, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth is not just a follow-up to Metamodern Sounds in Country Music; it is a transformative work that reveals Sturgill Simpson’s evolution as an artist. By embracing personal themes, expanding his musical horizons, and taking creative risks, Sturgill Simpson’s Sailor’s Guide to Earth offers a wealth of rewards, establishing itself as a defining album and cementing Simpson’s legacy as a truly innovative and significant voice in modern music.
