The Best Southern Albums of 2019—So Far

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Hayes Carll | What It Is
Whether an argument over haint blue ceilings on the love song “None Ya” or a search for redemption via George Dickel on the poignant “Jesus and Elvis,” Texas native Hayes Carll’s sixth album is full of Southern touchstones. Current affairs get their due, too. “Times Like These” laments a culture of divisiveness, while “American Dream” describes visions of hope and hardship. But even as Carll takes on society’s shortcomings, he maintains a relatable, self-deprecating knack for making light of his own—a quality that will endear What It Is to longtime fans as well as those discovering Carll for the first time.
Essential Tracks: “None’Ya,” “Jesus & Elvis”
MORE: READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH HAYES CARLL