Fathers & Sons＜限定盤/White Vinyl＞

Appearing on Fathers Day Weekend 2024, Fathers & Sons functions as something of a coda to the twin albums Growin Up and Gettin Old -- a record that places a premium on lifes continuity by spotlighting the changing of generations. Such naked sentimentality suits Luke Combs, a country singer who always emphasizes tradition without losing sight of modern mores. With its hushed tone and unapologetic earnestness, Fathers & Sons also feels like a sequel to "Fast Car," his reverent cover of Tracy Chapmans contemporary folk classic. Combs rarely picks up the tempo over the course of these 40 minutes, yet he doesnt wallow in a melancholy mire, nor does he drift away in self-absorbed reflection. These 12 songs are sweet and sincere, balancing hopes for the future with stories that are handed down through the generations. The pivot is "Whoever You Turn Out to Be," where Combs talks about his dreams for his children and comes to the realization that its fine if his kid doesnt wind up sharing the same tastes or lifestyles. That kind of empathy underpins Fathers & Sons, making this quiet record unusually affecting. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

空前のカントリー・ブームを支える存在ながら、この5枚目は実はそこまでカントリー、カントリーしていない。フィドルやマンドリンも使いながら、いちばん耳に残るのはアコースティック・ギターの温もりある音色。その意味ではシンガー・ソングライター然とした作品と言えるかも。カントリーはちょっと苦手という人も試しにチャレンジしてみてはいかがだろうか?
bounce (C)山口智男