Mercy＜Opaque White Vinyl＞

Mercy comes swaggering out of the gates with "All It Cost Me Was Everything," its titular lament standing in direct contrast to the sinewy swing of the songs beat. It feels light on its feet, especially compared to its simultaneously released cousin None the Wiser, a record by Cody Jinks metal side project Caned by Nod. The double release echoes how Jinks issued twin albums in 2019. Cut to 2021 and everybody else in country music is delivering their variation of a double album, all showcasing the artists versatility, so the ornery Jinks strips back his music to its basics, delivering outlaw ravers and ballads filled with bad spirits, laments, and the occasional love song. He may not monkey around with his formula, but his dedication to old-fashioned country -- think 1970s, not 1950s -- does make him a capable craftsman, capable of such moments of grace as "I Dont Trust My Memories Anymore," an expert evocation of middle-aged Merle Haggard. Most of the time, Jinks doesnt operate in this reflective mode. He runs lean but sounds brawny as he leans into heavy, swinging rhythms that he slathers with twang. It may not offer anything new, but it is effective. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine