God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise

A couple of weeks ago I pre-ordered Ray LaMontagne's newest album "God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise" on iTunes (actually Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs). It was finally released today. I know it isn't the best idea to review an album before one has thoroughly listened to the album in it's entirety, but I can't help myself.

Thus far, I am not disappointed. Ray is defined by a smooth, even raspy voice. His songs are stories, and he is an excellent story teller. This album has a very country feel, but there is a nice mixture, especially in the ballad-esque songs that compose the middle of the album. I am enjoying the folksy, blues sweetness. Why not, though? I grew up listening to Cat Stevens and Otis Redding. I immensely enjoy this style of music.

Even though it slows down after "Repo Man", it is not too slow for me. It is nice, smooth, and relaxing. I would rate it 9/10. I'm looking forward to listening to this album over and over again.

Just listen to the lyrics from track 7, "Old Before Your Time":

When I was a younger man lookin' for my pot of gold

Everywhere I turned the doors were closin'

It took every ounce of faith I had to keep on keepin' on

And still I felt like I was only losin'

I refused then like I do now to let anybody tie me down

And I lost a few good friends along the way

I was raised up poor and I wanted more

And maybe I'm a little too proud

In lookin' back I see a kid who was just

Afraid, hungry and old before his time

Through the years I've known my share of broken hearted fools

And those who couldn't choose a path worth taking

There's nothin' in the world so sad as talking to a man

Who never knew his life was his for making

Ain't it about time you realize? It's not worth keepin' score

You win some, you lose some and you let it go

What's the use of stacking on every failure another stone

Till you find you've spent your whole life

Building walls, lonely and old before your time

It took so long to see

That truth was all around me

Now the wren has gone to roost and the sky is turnin' gold

And like the sky my soul is also turnin'

Turnin' from the past, at last and all I've left behind

Could it be that I am finally learnin'?

Learnin' I'm deserving of love and the peaceful heart

I won't tear myself apart no more for tryin'

I'm tired of lyin' to myself, tryin' to buy what can't be bought

It's not livin' that you're doin' if it feels like dyin

Cryin, growin' old before your time

Cryin, growin' old before your time