The Price of Admission

Turnpike Troubadours sixth studio set builds on the strong work they did with producer Shooter Jennings on their 2023 highlight A Cat in the Rain. Like that album, The Price of Admission -- also produced by Jennings -- is a warm, world-weary slice of Red Dirt Americana that feels effortlessly organic and easy to spend time with. Putting a greater emphasis on acoustic material, the albums unshowy, low-key vibe is a big part of its appeal, letting the songs speak for themselves. Frontman Evan Felker claims to have written more by feel this time around, letting the mood in the room dictate the material. As a writer he also collaborated with bandmates Kyle Nix and RC Edwards, as well as outside contributors like John Fullbright, Dave Simonett (Trampled by Turtles), and Ketch Secor (Old Crow Medicine Show), giving The Price of Admission a variety of perspectives without losing consistency. The result is another gem from a band who, two decades into their career, have hit a satisfying sweet spot. ~ Timothy Monger