The Dirt And The Stars (studio album) by Mary Chapin Carpenter

In 2018 Mary Chapin Carpenter self-released Sometimes Just the Sky, a set of re-recorded songs with producer Ethan Johns. The set was the best Carpenter has sounded in the studio in many years and when I heard it I was hoping for a new set of songs produced by Johns.

Well, her 16th album has Ethan Johns again at the helm and it's truly fantastic. Carpenter, always hushed and emotional is supported brilliantly with the lush and exquisite production by Johns.

But the songs speak for themselves. Carpenter has a new interest in hook and melody that was hit or miss during her time with producers Matt Rollins and Dave Cobb. These melodies, with strong storytelling, complement the earnest and delicate nature of her emotional vocal performances. It's everything aligned just right. There are a few misses (American Stooge and Secret Keepers), but those uptempo numbers allow the listener to breathe between the heavy emotional material on The Dirt and the Stars.

Without a doubt, this is her finest record since her time on Columbia Records.

Condensed to a 7" Single:
A-Side: It's OK to Be Sad
B-Side: All Broken Hearts Break Differently

Album of the year for me for 2020. The Carpenter album I had stopped hoping for, lyrical grace ladled over musical grace until you start believing it isn't winding down, it is just the beginning...