Playlist (June 14)

Music

Americana styles

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Justin Townes Earle's new album, Kids in the Street, represents one of those rare moments when an entire career comes together all at once. The album combines the lessons and promise of Earle's previous six albums into something new and wholly fulfilling.

The songs, with help from US producer Mike Mogis, take on a variety of Americana styles, from blues and folk to rock, all in service of his well-crafted tales. Same Old Stagolee is his twist on the classic country tale Stagger Lee, infusing it with a class battle. There's a bit of Cajun spice in 15-25, while the straightforward Trouble Is lets Earle's self-deprecating charm shine through.

This is the album longtime Earle fans have waited for and one new fans never knew they needed.