Valerie June // The Order of Time

Valerie June

The Order of Time

Concord Records 

4/5 stars

This record feels honest. Different aspects of Valerie June Hockett's personality shine through in The Order of Time. In vulnerability and in strength, she tells a story. Her nasal Memphis twang is immediately recognizable in all its idiosyncrasies. June blends folk, bluegrass, soul, and Americana elements into a welcoming stew. Utilizing the traditional tools of Americana music from Appalachian to gospel, June and her band forge a unified sound. It's raw music of the earth. The album begins humbly, with a slow, passionate shuffle, guitars echoing in the dust as if they were fading along that very "Long Lonely Road." What follows is the gospel plea of "Love You Once Made," which fades into the uptempo country dancehall of "Shakedown." Some of the passionate standouts like "Astral Plane" and "With You" resonate the best, despite occasionally dragging. The album closes with the catchy and appropriately named "Got Soul," a floor-stomping full band celebration. Order of Time does its best to follow up on 2013's successful Pushin' Against a Stone. The overall sound is streamlined, a more distinctly southern feel than before. 

– Nick Warren