Marcus King Band shares new single "Heartlands," highly anticipated album 'Darling Blue' out Sept. 26

 Listen to the bluegrass-tinged new Marcus King Band single "Heartlands" and learn more about the upcoming album release of the outfit's "Darling Blue." Read my review of King's terrific 2022 album "Young Blood" HERE...Robert Kinsler

MARCUS KING BAND SHARES NEW SINGLE “HEARTLANDS”

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUM DARLING BLUE OUT SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 VIA AMERICAN RECORDS/REPUBLIC RECORDS

THE DARLING BLUE TOUR (PT. 1)
NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE RUN BEGINS SEPTEMBER 11 

 

 

[Of “Here Today”] “Each artist brings their own distinct sound to the verses, between King’s soulful grit, Butts’ smoky twang and Johnson’s powerful vocal growl — but when their voices merge, it evokes a freewheeling, jam-band feel that dares fans not to sing along." -- Billboard Magazine

“Darling Blue is loaded sincere and sharp-tongued reflections on the personal revolutions that frontman King has faced in his travels since the band’s last offering.” -- Relix

“September 26th can’t get here soon enough.” -- Whiskey Riff
 

September 5, 2025—Ahead of their much-anticipated new album Darling Blue, Marcus King Band shares a further taste of the new music with the single “Heartlands.” Listen/share the track HERE. 

The album is due on September 26 via American Records/Republic Records. Pre-order/pre-save Darling Blue HERE.

“I wrote ‘Heartlands’ with one of my favorite writers and best pals in town, Jonathan Singleton,” says King. “This song puts into words just the way I feel about that sweet little wife of mine. She’s supported me through so many ups and downs. But when I fall, she’s always where my heart lands.”

“Heartlands” follows a string of recent releases from the LP, including “Here Today” featuring Jamey Johnson and Kaitlin Butts, of which Billboard raves, “when their voices merge, it evokes a freewheeling, jam-band feel that dares fans not to sing along.” The band has also shared “Carry Me Home,” “Carolina Honey” and “Honky Tonk Hell,” the latter of which became the fastest single of King’s career to hit one million streams. 

Coming up on September 11, the band will kick off their headlining The Darling Blue Tour (Pt. 1), a 13-date North American run beginning in Davenport, IA. The tour includes stops in Memphis, Albuquerque, Little Rock and more. Support across select dates comes from Angel White, Laci Kaye Booth and Pearl. Tickets and more information can be found HERE, and see below for a complete list of dates.

Darling Blue finds Grammy-nominated Marcus King reuniting with his longtime live band for their first recorded album together since 2018’s Carolina Confessions. Inspired heavily by the Blue Ridge Mountains in his home state of South Carolina, the new album incorporates elements of country, folk, psychedelic rock and Motown-era R&B and continues the conversation on King’s experience with addiction and depression.
“It truly felt like home,” King details. “Like my band and I were just working out songs to perform live but ended up creating a piece of recorded music for our fans to hear. Our goal is always to be a vessel and allow the music to flow through us and tap into something that’s already there in the room. But more than anything I’ve done before, this album felt like a real concerted effort to make music for myself, and for ourselves as a band—creating for the love of creating and being as honest as we possibly can. We put everything we had into making something that we love and we have faith that the audience will feel that and love it too.”

Recently, King collaborated with Gibson for the release of his second signature guitar, the Gibson Marcus King ES-345. Learn more: PEOPLE, Guitar World, Premier Guitar

The beloved Marcus King Band Family Reunion music festival recently returned for its fourth installment and landmark year in Charleston, SC. The two-day festival featured performances by Marcus King Band, Jamey Johnson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Molly Tuttle, Hiss Golden Messenger and more. 

This year also finds King hitting the road with Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Eric Church and Dwight Yoakam; additional info follows below. 

Greenville, South Carolina-born, Nashville-based Marcus King started performing alongside his blues guitarist father when he was just eight years old. He made his solo debut with El Dorado (2020), produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. The album was met with widespread acclaim, with the Associated Press calling it “a definite high point of 2020.” It went on to earn King his landmark Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album at the 63^rd Annual Grammy Awards. 

He followed up the success of El Dorado with Young Blood (2022), also produced by Auerbach. His sophomore album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Blues Albums Chart, the magazine described it as a “staggeringly confident work.”Last year King returned with his third album, Mood Swings, produced by Rick Rubin, of which Rolling Stone said, “he…goes for something much more daring, vulnerable, and openhearted.”

 

Darling Blue album art

 

MARCUS KING BAND—DARLING BLUE
1. On & On
2. Here Today ft. Jamey Johnson & Kaitlin Butts
3. Honky Tonk Hell
4. Heartlands
5. Die Alone
6. Somebody Else ft. Jesse Welles
7. Levi’s & Goodbyes
8. Carolina Honey
9. No Room For Blue
10. Blue Ridge Mountain Moon
11. Dirt (Nashville version) ft. Billy Strings
12. The Shadows ft. Noah Cyrus
13. Pretty Petty
14. Carry Me Home

TOUR DATES
BOLD DATES: The Darling Blue Tour (Pt. 1)
September 5—Madison, IN—Unbroken Circle Festival At Bicentennial Park
September 11—Davenport, IA—Capitol Theater*
September 12—Lincoln, NE—Pinnacle Bank Arena‡
September 15-21—Seattle, WA—Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea Alaska
September 22—Nashville, TN—Grand Ole Opry (Grand Ole Opry House) 
September 25—Green Bay, WI—Resch Center§
September 26—Milwaukee, WI—Fiserv Forum§
September 27—Des Moines, IA—Casey’s Center§
September 28—St. Louis, MO—Evolution Festival
October 2—Detroit, MI—Little Caesars Arena§
October 3—Lexington, KY—Rupp Arena§
October 9—Indianapolis, IN—Gainbridge Fieldhouse§
October 10—Grand Rapids, MI—Van Andel Arena§
October 11—Cleveland, OH—Rocket Arena§
October 12—Peoria, IL—Civic Center Theater*
October 14—Lawrence, KS—Liberty Hall*
October 16—Sugar Land, TX—Smart Financial Centre At Sugar Land**
October 17—Stephenville, TX—Twisted J Live
October 18—Austin, TX—Moody Center**
October 19—Fayetteville, AR—JJ’s††
October 21—Starkville, MS—Rick’s Cafe††
October 23—Memphis, TN—Graceland*
October 24—Fairhope, AL—Live at Five*
October 25—Birmingham, AL—Legacy Arena at The BJCC‡
October 30—Catoosa, OK—Hard Rock Live
October 31—Little Rock, AR—The Hall‡‡
November 1—Gonzales, LA—Boots On The Bayou
November 2—Corpus Christi, TX—Concrete Street Pavilion‡‡
November 5—Lubbock, TX—Cook’s Garage (indoors)‡‡
November 6—Albuquerque, NM—Revel‡‡
November 11-16—Los Angeles, CA—Blue Note LA
May 29—Panama City Beach, FL—Gulf Coast Jam

*with Angel White
†with Chris Stapleton
‡with Cody Johnson
§with Eric Church
**with Dwight Yoakam
††Laci Kaye Booth
‡‡Pearl



About Republic Records
A division of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, Republic Records has been recognized by Billboard as the industry’s #1 label over the last decade. It is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends such as Anitta, Ariana Grande, Billy Porter, Conan Gray, Cynthia Erivo, Daniel Caesar, Eddie Vedder, Florence + the Machine, Glass Animals, Jelly Roll, Jimmy Fallon, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Kid Cudi, Kim Petras, Lorde, Miranda Lambert, Nicki Minaj, Pearl Jam, Shania Twain, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures with chart topping artists and partners including American Recordings (Marcus King), Boominati Worldwide (Metro Boomin), Brushfire (Jack Johnson), Casablanca Records (Nelly Furtado, Martin Garrix), Cash Money (Birdman, Jacquees), HYBE (TXT), JYP Entertainment (Stray Kids, TWICE), Lava Records (Greta Van Fleet), Mavin Records (Ayra Starr), OVO (Drake), XO (The Weeknd), Young Money (Lil Wayne), among others. Additionally, Republic recently launched Federal Films, the film and TV division that aims to bring compelling stories to audiences around the world, as well as Republic Records: Kids & Family, the official children's division of Republic Records.

Marcus King bringing headlining world tour to the Southwest in May 2024

Exciting news on singer-songwriter/guitar great Marcus King's forthcoming new album and international tour...Robert Kinsler

Marcus King displaying his otherworldly talents
at 2019 Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

MARCUS KING ANNOUNCES NEW RICK RUBIN-PRODUCED STUDIO ALBUM MOOD SWINGS AND HEADLINING WORLD TOUR INCLUDING DATES IN NEVADA, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND ARIZONA IN MAY   MOOD SWINGS RELEASED APRIL 5 VIA AMERICAN/REPUBLIC RECORDS   RELEASES TITLE TRACK, A SLOW BURN SONG LEAVING SPACE FOR KING’S VOCAL TO SHINE THROUGH - LISTEN/ WATCH HERE

DRAWING ON DARK TIMES WHERE KING BELIEVED HE WAS DESTINED TO DIE AT HIS OWN HAND, KING HOPES MOOD SWINGS WILL BE A REFUGE AND A BEACON OF HOPE FOR OTHERS ON THE BRINK   A SYMPHONY OF SOUL AND A REBIRTH OF BOTH HIS SOUND AND HIS MIND, KING CREDITS RUBIN FOR INSPIRING HIS SHIFT IN PERSPECTIVE   FOR TICKETING INFORMATION INCLUDING ON SALE DETAILS, VISIT HTTPS://WWW.MARCUSKINGOFFICIAL.COM/    “Rick helped me view mental health as a writing partner in a way. I've learned it can give me that creative spark.” Marcus King   “I love the way listening to this album makes me feel. I can’t think of another project quite like this one. Marcus’s playing and singing are from another planet.” Rick Rubin

Photo Credit: JM Collective   Thursday Feb 8 - Today Marcus King announced the release of his new Rick Rubin produced album, Mood Swings, released on April 5 via American/Republic Records. In support of this new album, King also announced his 2024 headlining tour across North America and Europe produced by Live Nation and FPC Live!, in addition to dates supporting Chris Stapleton. More information available on https://www.marcuskingofficial.com/ - for information on tickets and pre-sale see below.   Mood Swings is King’s magnum opus, an eclectic symphony of soul that is uniquely timeless and current. Drawing on King’s darkest moments, it became a beacon of hope for King as he created it, and will be a refuge for anyone going through similar challenges in their lives.   Accompanying the album announcement, King released the title track, “Mood Swings,” the perfect introduction to an album that will redefine any perceived notions around Marcus King. The song smolders with a slow burn electro drum stomp and jazzy guitar, leaving space for King’s soulful vocal to shine. Sharing his innermost fears whilst standing in the strength of being fully vulnerable and honest.   Listen to “Mood Swings” here Pre-order Mood Swings here   On “Mood Swings” King stated, “In the early summer of 2020 I arrived at Shangri-La for my first meeting with my hero, the legend, Mr. Rick Rubin. As soon as Rick & I met it was like a spark in the room! I immediately felt welcomed, appreciated and mutually admired. Rick and I had a wonderful first introduction and he left me in the capable hands of his Ace engineer Jason Lader, an incredible engineer who would become a dear dear friend. Jason and I toured the space and just for fun decided to track something, what we tracked was the title track “Mood Swings.” I laid down guitar and vocals, we added Rhythm Ace R77 drum machine with tape delay to achieve the swing we desired, added bass & piano and after half an hour the track was finished. The track and album title “Mood Swings” is a play on the swinging nature of the material while also referencing my up and down shifts in mood while I was either abusing the wrong substances, in between mood stabilizing meds and anti-psychotics, self-medication on top of that, along with a foot locker FULL of repressed childhood trauma all being taken out on my relationship at the time.”   Legendary producer Rick Rubin who has worked with everyone from Adele to Johnny Cash, was instantly drawn to King’s guitar playing, singular voice and songwriting, and after witnessing a King live performance, one day randomly cold-called him to float the idea of working together.   Rick Rubin stated, “I love the way listening to this album makes me feel. I can’t think of another project quite like this one. Marcus’s playing and singing are from another planet.”   The pair secretly holed up for sessions in Italy and Malibu during the promotion of King’s critically acclaimed album, Young Blood. The result is King’s most sonically astute and personal album to date and a landmark moment for Marcus who for the first time lets his voice take center stage. “There was no hiding behind the guitar at all,” he grins. His smoldering country soul vocal, part Al Green, Bobby Womack, Marvin Gaye, Adele and Chris Stapleton, is set to establish him as one of the greatest vocalists of our time, no longer in the shadow of his own guitar greatness.   Yet Marcus King didn’t plan on making his new album Mood Swings.   He didn’t even plan on living much longer before he started working on it. Heartache, addiction, and mental health brought him to the brink and during a North American tour, Marcus had designs to drink himself to death. He admits, “I had an escape route already decided for myself and a backup if that didn’t work.”   Around the same time, King went into Dan Auerbach studio and despite his mental health, drinking and substance abuse reaching untenable limits, he was able to create the critically acclaimed album Young Blood. There is consequently an ocean of depth to King’s lyrics. Mood Swings once again takes us back to that dark period of King’s life where he was on the brink, firmly believing that he was destined to die young, most likely at his own hand.   Despite its often bleak subject matter, Mood Swings is an album with a message of hope. Rubin helped King find a new personal and sonic approach and instead of crumbling under the weight of his anxiety, Rubin inspired him to shift his perspective. “He helped me view mental health as a writing partner in a way,” recalls Marcus. “I’ve learned it can give me that creative spark.”   King is a GRAMMY® nominated fourth generation musician from Greenville, SC, who started playing guitar at 8 years old following in the footsteps of his guitarist Father and Grandpa. Logging thousands of miles on the road as “The Marcus King Band,” he established himself with unparalleled performance prowess and a dynamic live show. His solo debut El Dorado, garnering a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Best Americana Album.” In between packing venues on his own, he performed alongside Chris Stapleton, Greta Van Fleet, and Nathanial Rateliff in addition to gracing the bills of Stagecoach and more with one seismic show after the next. He has been open about his challenges with mental health in his songs and throughout his career, and has launched various mental health initiatives, most recently a guitar auction collaboration with MusiCares.   Mood Swings takes us in a very different sonic direction to his considerable catalog of studio albums. Combining elements as diverse as modern pop, R&B, aughts hip hop, piano driven classic rock and the warm production and symphonic instrumentation of classic era soul, R&B and jazz. Previously released song “F*ck My Life Up Again” is a considerable departure stadium sized rock, with strings that accent over a smoky jazz beat, while his soulful delivery booms, “Come f*ck my life up again, don’t deserve to live without pain.” A guitar solo “played backwards” channels stark confusion offset by the unshakable hook. On “Hero,” his croon rises over acoustic guitar towards a fluttering crescendo. The same naked emotion defines “Delilah” where over piano led pop rock and innovative tracks such as “Inglewood Motel (Halestorm)” are an alt R&B masterpiece. The album closes with “Cadillac,” steeped in psychedelic symphonic soul it is an arresting tale of dark desires and suicidal ideation.   On Mood Swings we find King gracefully standing in his own truth, accepting the challenges he’s faced and coming out the otherside a man renewed. It is a rebirth of both his sound and of his mind. “Without this assembly of songs, I don’t think I’d be around,” King shares, “I hope this album can act as a safety blanket, a rescue, or a refuge for anybody struggling with mental health, substance abuse, or relationship issues. That’s what it is for me.”   TRACKLIST Mood Swings F*ck My Life Up Again Soul It Screams Save Me Hero Delilah Inglewood Motel (Halestorm) This Far Gone Bipolar Love Me Or Tennessee Cadillac   MOOD SWINGS THE WORLD TOUR DATES   TICKETS: Tickets for the North America dates will be available starting with Citi presale (details below) beginning Monday, February 12. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, February 16 at 10am local time at LiveNation.com.   PRESALE: Citi is the official card of the MARCUS KING: MOOD SWINGS THE WORLD TOUR North America dates. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Monday, February 12 at 10am local time until Thursday, February 15 at 10PM local through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.   March 7, 2024 - Love Rocks NYC - New York, NY March 9, 2024 - The Capitol Theatre - Port Chester, NY April 6, 2024 – U.S. Bank Stadium - Minneapolis, MN w/ Chris Stapleton April 13, 2024 – 10 Annual Major Rager - Augusta, GA April 19, 2024 - Moon Crush “Pink Moon” Festival - Miramar Beach, FL May 06, 2024 - Moore Theatre - Seattle, WA May 07, 2024 - Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR May 08, 2024 - Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR May 10, 2024 - The Masonic - San Francisco, CA May 11, 2024 - Grand Sierra Ballroom - Reno, NV May 14, 2024 - The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA May 15, 2024 - The Van Buren - Phoenix, AZ May 17, 2024 - The Complex - Salt Lake City, UT May 18, 2024 - Fillmore Auditorium - Denver, CO May 22, 2024 - The Monument - Rapid City, SD w/ Chris Stapleton May 24, 2024 - Denny Sanford PREMIER Center - Sioux Falls, SD w/ Chris Stapleton May 25, 2024 - Harrah’s Stir Cove - Council Bluffs, IA May 26, 2024 - EPIC Event Center - Green Bay, WI* May 29, 2024 - The Pageant - St Louis, MO May 30, 2024 - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Grand Rapids, MI May 31, 2024 - Blossom Music Center - Cleveland OH w/ Chris Stapleton June 01, 2024 - Railbird Festival - Lexington, KY June 02, 2024 - Salt Shed - Chicago, IL June 04, 2024 - College Street Music Hall - New Haven, CT* June 06, 2024 - Freedom Mortgage Pavilion - Philadelphia, PA w/ Chris Stapleton June 07, 2024 - Jiffy Lube Live - Bristow, VA w/ Chris Stapleton June 08, 2024 - Landmark Theatre - Syracuse, NY June 10, 2024 - Ruby Amphitheater - Morgantown, WV* June 12, 2024 - T-Mobile Center - Kansas City, MO w/ Chris Stapleton June 13, 2024 - Thunder Ridge Nature Arena - Ridgefield, MO w/ Chris Stapleton June 14, 2024 - The Criterion - Oklahoma City, OK June 15, 2024 - Globe Life Field - Arlington, TX w/ Chris Stapleton July 11, 2024 - Darien Lake Amphitheater - Darien Center, NY w/ Chris Stapleton July 12, 2024 - The Pavilion at Star Lake - Pittsburgh, PA w/ Chris Stapleton July 13, 2024 - Palace Theatre - Albany, NY July 16, 2024 - Egyptian Room - Indianapolis, IN July 18, 2024 - Huntington Center - Toledo, OH w/ Chris Stapleton July 19, 2024 - Schottenstein Center - Columbus, OH w/ Chris Stapleton July 20, 2024 - The Fillmore Detroit - Detroit, MI September 04, 2024 - Orpheum - Vancouver, BC September 06, 2024 - Grey Eagle Event Center - Calgary, AB September 07, 2024 - Midway Music Hall - Edmonton, AB September 09, 2024 - Burton Cummings Theatre - Winnipeg, MB September 13, 2024 - Massey Hall - Toronto, ON September 14, 2024 - London Music Hall - London, ON September 17, 2024 - Kemba Live! - Columbus, OH September 19, 2024 - Warner Theatre - Washington, D.C. September 20, 2024 - Warner Theatre - Washington, D.C. September 21, 2024 - The Ritz - Raleigh, NC September 24, 2024 - Avondale Brewing - Birmingham, AL September 26, 2024 - Riverside Theater - Milwaukee, WI September 28, 2024 - The Sylvee, Madison, WI September 29, 2024 - Vibrant Music Hall - Des Moines, IA October 07, 2024 - Roxian Theatre - Pittsburgh, PA October 09, 2024 - State Theatre - Portland, ME October 11, 2024 - House of Blues Boston - Boston, MA October 12, 2024 - The Fillmore - Philadelphia, PA October 13, 2024 - Brooklyn Paramount – Brooklyn, NY October 17, 2024 - La Riviera - Madrid, Spain October 18, 2024 - Sala Apolo - Barcelona, Spain October 20, 2024 - Fabrique Milano - Milan, Italy October 21, 2024 - Komplex 457 - Zurich, Switzerland October 23, 2024 – Le Transbordeur – Lyon, France October 25, 2024 - Essigfabrik - Cologne, Germany October 27, 2024 - Markthalle - Hamburg, Germany October 28, 2024 - De Roma - Antwerp, Belgium October 29, 2024 - AFAS Live - Amsterdam, Netherlands October 31, 2024 - Metropol - Berlin, Germany November 01, 2024 – The Grey Hall - Copenhagen, Denmark November 03, 2024 - Bataclan - Paris, France November 05, 2024 - Eventim Apollo - London, UK November 06, 2024 - Albert Hall - Manchester, UK November 07, 2024 - Barrowland Ballroom - Glasgow, UK November 09, 2024 - O2 Institute - Birmingham, UK November 10, 2024 - The Great Hall - Cardiff, UK November 12, 2024 - Olympia - Dublin, Ireland   *Not A Live Nation Date/No Citi Presale   SOCIAL / WEBSITE https://www.marcuskingofficial.com/ Facebook IG X Spotify Youtube

Robert Kinsler's favorite 22 new studio releases of 2022

To be sure, 2022 was an outstanding year for new music. Here are my favorite 22 albums of 2022...Robert Kinsler

Artist: Arcade Fire

Title: WE (Columbia Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Arcade Fire, Radiohead, U2

Tell me more: On the heels of the band's mesmerizing last-minute appearance at Weekend #1 of Coachella in April 2022, Arcade Fire released their sixth full-length studio album WE. Divided into two disparate sides ("I" and "WE"), the seven-track album conjures up the exhilarating spirit of the band's most ambitious albums (2007's Neon Bible and 2010's The Suburbs) while moving the Canadian heroes into the future via a terrific 40-minute ride. The impacts of the extended COVID-19 lockdown affected most of the world including Arcade Fire whose Win Butler and Régine Chassagne (the husband and wife duo at the center of the band) wrote much of the music sans their bandmates. Lyrically, WE touches on alienation, technology overload, survival romance and parenthood. Such lofty ambition wouldn't matter if the songs didn't have the melodic sweep and overarching power heard across the disc; fortunately WE delivers in spades. The anthemic "Age of Anxiety I," burgeoning "Age of Anxiety II (Rabbit Hole)," "The Lightning I, II," majestic "Unconditional I (Lookout Kid)," Neo-electronica "Unconditional II (Race and Religion)" featuring Peter Gabriel on backing vocals and acoustic-flavored album closer "WE" are among the powerful originals on Arcade Fire's marvelous return. Information: ArcadeFire.com. 

Artist: Bird Streets
Title: Lagoon (Sparkle Plenty Records/Deko Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: Big Star, Jason Falkner, Crowded House, Pugwash, Bird Streets' 2018 self-titled debut

Tell me more: Bird Streets — the moniker for singer-songwriter John Brodeur — returned with the ambitious Lagoon. An album of luxurious and literate songs aimed at "separation, rumination, regret and recurrence," the artistic scope of the dozen track collection is elevated by an incredible list of notable collaborators who guest on the project. Indeed, Brodeur's considerable talents as lead singer and guitarist are bolstered by the likes of Aimee Mann, Jody Stephens (Big Star), Ed Harcourt, John Davis, and Buddy Judge (The Grays) along with the production skills of Patrick Sansone (Wilco), Michael Lockwood (Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple), and Zach Jones (Sting) and Oscar Albis Rodriguez (A Great Big World). While the initial recording of Lagoon spanned from the earliest sessions in Nashville in 2019 through time at Ardent Studios in Memphis in February 2020, the sudden arrival of the COVID-19 global pandemic ultimately found Brodeur turning to Los Angeles-based producer Lockwood to work on the project via remote technology for the home stretch. Each and every song on Lagoon hits its mark; the confessional opener "Sleeper Agent," emotive "The Document" (the latter one of the most striking breakup songs in memory), soaring "Let You Down," haunting "Leave No Trace" (featuring Davis' artful sitar playing), confessional "Disappearing Act" and Baroque pop sortie "Unkind" are among the wonderful songs on the masterful collection. Information: birdstreetsmusic.com.

Artist: Collective Soul

Title: Vibrating (Fuzzy-Flex Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Collective Soul, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Psychic Rain

Tell me more: Nearly 30 years after their outstanding debut Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid introduced their fully original mix of melodic alternative rock and post-grunge to the world, Collective Soul continues to chart their own course with albums rooted in stellar songcraft, creative arrangements and inspired performances. "Cut The Cord" opens the album, a searing hard rocker bolstered by loads of crunchy guitar and a driving beat; the propulsive "Reason" enhanced by an especially melodic chorus follows. The energy on the 10-track album is palpable, with singer-guitarist Ed Roland, lead guitarist Jesse Triplett, rhythm guitarist Dean Roland, bassist Will Turpin and drummer Johnny Rabb each adding sophisticated magic to the proceedings. Other highlights on the excellent album include the enticing "Take" with its hypnotic mix of '60s jangle garage rock and mellifluous musical layers, the shining "Undone," symphonic-tinged gem "Rule No. 1," genre-defying delight "Looking Around" and the ambitious romance-mining "Where Do I Go." My favorite track is the undeniably captivating "All Our Pieces," a soaring anthem with singer Ed Roland's expressive vocals bringing an emotional heft to the euphonious cut. Information: CollectiveSoul.com.

Artist: The Cowsills

Title: Rhythm of the World (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, The Byrds, The Beach Boys, The Turtles, The Bangles 

Tell me more: Musical family The Cowsills released a series of popular singles and albums in the late 1960s and early '70s before going on hiatus in 1972 — music aficionados should note the Cowsills were even the inspiration for the 1970s TV series "The Partridge Family." Although the Cowsills reunited to record new albums in 1978 and 1993, the group's return to record the full-length 2022 masterwork Rhythm of the Worlds is a true triumph. The 11-song disc is filled with songs that reflect the sharp songcraft of the best artists of the '60s and '70s; it is no stretch to note the originals on the new album featuring siblings Bob, Susan and Paul Cowsill would be at home on classic titles from the Byrds, Badfinger, The Turtles or the Mamas & the Papas. There isn't a bad song on the disc; standouts include the instantly-catchy melodic gems "Lend a Hand" and "Try to Believe It Too," Americana-styled "Hawks on the Line," melodic rocker "Every Little Secret," power pop-flavored title track, yearning folk rocker "The Long Run" and decidedly modern "Nuclear Winter." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: Dawes

Title: Misadventures of Doomscroller (Rounder Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Dawes, Steely Dan, Jackson Browne

Tell me more: Dawes continues to be a stellar light in the modern rock universe, defying easy categorization while boldly displaying even more dizzying heights with each new release. The Jonathon Wilson-produced Misadventures of Doomscoller is Dawes' 8th studio album and it is certainly one of the best albums of 2022. Take the ambitious opener "Someone Else's Cafe / Doomscroller Tries To Relax," a nine and one-half minute song that somehow blends Laurel Canyon folk rock, Steely Dan-mining jazz and gospel-tinged elements across its luxurious run. The momentum and might of the album continues with the intoxicating acoustic-flavored "Comes In Waves," buoyant "Everything Is Permanent," hard-charging "Ghost In The Machine," sumptuous two-part "Joke In There Somewhere," and eloquent closer "Sound That No One Made / Doomscroller Sunrise." To be sure, many of the longer-than-usual originals feature musical jamming aplenty but the virtuoso musical sorties never negate the sterling songcraft showcased across the seven-track disc. Dawes is Taylor Goldsmith (guitar, primary vocalist), Wylie Gelber (bass), Griffin Goldsmith (drums, percussion, background vocals) and Lee Pardini (piano, organ, synthesizers, guitar, clavinet, background vocals). Information: DawesTheBand.com. 

Artist: Def Leppard

Title: Diamond Star Halos (Mercury Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Def Leppard, Queen, T. Rex

Tell me more: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame British rockers Def Leppard returned with their long-awaited Diamond Star Halos, an album that offers up plenty of new sonic pay dirt while delivering on the distinctive sound (and parade of hits!) forged by the troupe in the 1980s and '90s. Highlights on the 15-track album include the soaring "Take What You Want," reflective "This Guitar" (featuring guest Alison Krauss sharing vocals with lead singer Joe Elliot), the sing-along "Fire It Up" (bolstered by Phil Collen's dazzling guitar work throughout), mellifluous "Liquid Dust," lovely Baroque power ballad "Goodbye For Good This Time" and introspective rocker "Open Your Eyes." A limited edition version of Def Leppard's 12th studio album — not reviewed here and available as an import — features 17 tracks. Information: DefLeppard.com.

Artist: Florence + The Machine

Title: Dance Fever [Deluxe Edition] (Republic)

You might like if you enjoy: Kate Bush, Florence + The Machine, Bat for Lashes

Tell me more: Expanded beyond the standard 14-track version also released in 2022, Florence + The Machine's Dance Fever [Deluxe Edition] find's the artist's fifth studio album packaged in a hardback book; the audio CD includes five bonus tracks. Described as a "Fairytale in Fourteen Songs," Dance Fever marks the first release by British songstress Florence Welch and company since 2018. The majestic opener "King" (bolstered by all manner of sonic shifts), propulsive electronica-tinged "Free," soulful "Dream Girl Evil," anthemic "Cassandra," driving "Daffodil," acoustic "The Bomb" and intoxicating "My Love" are among the many standouts on the terrific return. Welch is a singer armed with a soprano that is both powerful and expressive, and the track listing across Dance Fever is the perfect expression of those marvelous gifts. The bonus tracks also serve to more fully appreciate Welch's artistry; she revisits four of the LP's cuts with sparse arrangement anchored by her poignant vocals — "Cassandra," "Free" and "My Love" are especially moving. Closing out the title is "Search and Destroy," a fiery take on the Iggy Pop-penned 1973 Stooges classic. Fans of Welch's singular vision will definitely want to pick up this version. Information: florenceandthemachine.net. 

Artist: Ruthie Foster

Title: Healing Time (Blue Corn Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Mavis Staples, the Staple Singers, Ruthie Foster

Tell me more: Ruthie Foster's stirring ninth studio album Healing Time is a fantastic disc of genuine and authentic soul. No surprise that Foster delivers another batch of winning songs that soar, her vocals a constant wonder across the dozen-track disc that simultaneously showcases her immense skills as a top-tier songwriter. The gospel mining "Feels Like Freedom" brings chills with its power and beauty all while avoiding the modern day bombast that would diminish the might of the track. The potent and anthemic "Soul Searching" is an explosive celebration of love. Blues lovers will appreciate the longing "What Kind Of Fool," where the Austin songstress uses her full vocal range across the song's wonderful arc. The wistful "Lie Your Way To The Truth" dips into pop, but the soundscape shares more in common with the artful sonics of Florence + the Machine than the disposable and robotic approach of so many contemporary R&B hitmakers. Other memorable selections on Healing Time include the spiritual-minded "I Was Called," acoustic blues foray "4 AM," tuneful "Finish Line" and majestic "Paradise." Information: RuthieFoster.com.

Artist: The Fixx

Title: Every Five Seconds (BFD)

You might like if you enjoy: Simple Minds, U2, David Bowie

Tell me more: Before the release of Every Five Seconds on June 3, 2022, it had been a full decade since The Fixx had issued a new studio album (2012's wonderful Beautiful Friction). The great news for fans of top-tier alternative rock is that the quintet's latest effort builds on a marvelous discography stretching back to their 1982 debut Shuttered Room. Lead singer Cy Curnin's voice is still a wonder, and it is amazing that the band's long-time lineup is fully intact (lead guitarist Jamie West-Oram, bassist Dan K. Brown, keyboardist Rupert Greenall, drummer Adam Woods). The top-tier material includes the topical rocker "A Life Survived," funk-tinged "Closer," thought-provoking sortie "Wake Up," luxurious "Suspended In Make Believe," dazzling "Spell" and the ambitious styles-defying "Lonely As A Lighthouse" — the latter showcasing West-Oram's amazing fret work. Information: TheFixx.com.

Artist: Marcus King

Title: Young Blood (American Records / Republic Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Gary Clark Jr., Marcus King Band, Walter Trout

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar master Marcus King returned in August 2022 with Young Blood, a sharp 11-track set of hard-hitting Southern-fried blues rock. Music lovers who miss the guitar heroes of yesteryear should run out and pick up King's new album. While listeners thrill in King's otherworldly talents, they will be gripped by a set of songs that collectively chronicle a dark period for King following a devastating break-up. The artist honestly addresses drug and alcohol excess as well as the real-life issues of depression and mental health struggles. Tracks such as "It's Too Late," "Lie Lie Lie," "Pain" and "Good and Gone" showcase the rising 26-year-old South Carolina native focusing simultaneously on his signature gritty vocals and astonishing lead guitar work in the service of stylish genre-meshing songs blending Southern rock, blues and soul in good measure. Elsewhere — take the lovely "Rescue Me," sparse "Blues Worse Than I Ever Had" and groove-centered "Blood On The Tracks" and "Dark Cloud" — King uses his influences to create that same kind of dynamic firepower amidst a relatively quiet storm. Information: MarcusKingOfficial.com. 

Artist: The Legion of Decency

Title: Deep Lines Among The Shallows (Legion Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Dawes, Old 97's, Rhett Miller

Tell me more: Deep Lines Among The Shallows is the wonderful full-length album from Inland Empire-based The Legion of Decency. An album of immense depth, warmth and undeniable beauty, singer-songwriter-guitarist Michael Tamony's rich Americana guided soundscape is bolstered by a talented cast of players and singers who bring the mix of literate and poetic originals fully to life. Compelling songs on Side A include the poignant opener "Sometimes," the genuinely affecting "Grandma's Sound," rollicking "We Are Giant" and immersive title track. The countrified "I Do," lovely "Julietta," and reflective closer "Shine a Light" are among the wonderful cuts on Side B of the album. Information: TheLegionOfDecency.

Artist: Julian Lennon

Title: Jude (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: David Bowie, John Lennon, Ron Sexsmith

Tell me more: It's hard to believe, but singer-songwriter Julian Lennon's amazing 2022 album Jude marks the artist's first new full-length studio album since 2011's Everything Changes. The wonderful news for fans of Lennon is the artist's skills as a songwriter and singer of literate and expressive songcraft is a potent as ever. Jude is filled with emotive and lush originals including the soaring "Round and Round," Baroque power ballad "Love Don't Let Me Down," shimmering "Freedom," gorgeous "Love Never Dies," French-flavored "Gaia" (the latter a collaboration with Paul Buchanan of Scottish band The Blue Nile and Elissa Lauper), yearning art rocker "Breathe," and ambitious "Stay" with its enthralling jazz and experimental sections. A fantastic return. Information: JulianLennon.com.

Artist: Maple Mars

Title: Someone's Got To Listen (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Fountains of Wayne, The Move

Tell me more: The Los Angeles-based Maple Mars released Someone's Got To Listen, a terrific 10-track effort that also marked the outfit's first new full-length album since 2010's Galaxyland. Loaded with an intoxicating mix of psychedelic rock, tuneful songcraft and artful arrangements, Someone's Got To Listen extols '60s influences while tapping into modern day heft. There is truly no filler on the outstanding disc, which boasts one must hear original after another. My faves include the irresistible opener "Useless Information," luxurious "Gliding," soaring harmonies-adorned "Teenage Dream," nuanced "Goodbye California," and driving "Silver Craft" (bolstered by some fantastic guitar work). The ambitious closer "Redemption" caps the outstanding return. Maple Mars' talented lineup includes Rick Hromadka (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Steve Berns (guitar), Ron Pak (drums, vocals) and Joe Giddings (bass, vocals). Information: BigStirRecords.com. 

Artist: Glen Phillips

Title: There Is So Much Here (Compass Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Toad the Wet Sprocket, Neil Finn, Aimee Mann

Tell me more: Beloved as the frontman for Toad the Wet Sprocket, singer-songwriter Glen Phillips returned with his latest solo album, There Is So Much Here. A master at chronicling the emotion-filled events in own life with originals that are literate, infectious and timeless, Glen Phillips mined his experiences going through the COVID lockdown on his way to the creation of the marvelous 11-track disc. This was also a singular period where Phillips used the rare experience of being home for an extended stretch to reflect on his life in ways new to him. The range of material across the album will please fans of Phillips' past parade of triumphs. The soaring "Other Birds of Prey" is a euphoric rocker that recalls the high marks set on Toad the Wet Sprocket's Dulcinea. Elsewhere the bouncy "I Was a Riot" (a particularly confessional examination of the end of a relationship), lovely piano-anchored "The Bluest Eye," spacious "Brand New Blue," melodic rocker "Center Of The Circle" and jazz-infused "The Sound of Drinking" — the latter an introspective look at everyday joys that draws favorable sonic comparisons with the work of Bruce Cockburn — allure the listener. The acoustic "Skeleton For School," infectious "Stone Throat," and luxurious "Call the Moondust" are other standouts on the masterwork. Information: GlenPhillips.com. 

Artist: Simple Minds

Title: Direction of the Heart (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: U2, Simple Minds, The Fixx

Tell me more: Simple Minds' highly-anticipated Direction of the Heart marked the legendary Scottish outfit's 18th studio album. The nine-track disc is a genuine triumph, featuring singer-songwriter Jim Kerr, guitarist Charlie Burchill, bassist Ged Grimes, vocalist Sarah Brown, keyboardist-guitarist Gordy Goudie, drummer Cherisse Osei and keyboardist Berenice Scott delivering stylish songs that are both bewitching and expertly crafted. The shimmering opener "Vision Thing," dynamic and propulsive "First You Jump," new wave-mining "Human Traffic" featuring Sparks frontman Russell Mael and urgent "Who Killed Truth?" are early highlights on the album. The propulsive "Act of Love" (a gem written by Kerr and Burchill in Glasgow back in 1977 and performed as the opening song of their first-ever gig), enticing "Natural" and unsettling "Planet Zero" are late album highlights. Direction of the Heart closes with a shining synch-swept cover of The Call's 1983 track "The Walls Came Down," a track that Simple Minds makes it own with lush layers of vocals, shining synthesizers and textured guitar work. Information: SimpleMinds.com.

Artist: Spygenius

Title: Jobbernowl (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, The Who, The Hollies

Tell me more: Listening to Spygenius' glorious Jobbernowl is to be transported back to the 1960s. The latest album from the celebrated Canterbury, England-based quartet is a bona fide thrill for lovers of top-tier songcraft, nuanced musicianship and stylish retro-leaning rock. A follow-up to the foursome's 2020 double LP Man on the Sea and 2021's album of marvelous covers (Spygenius Blow Their Covers), the 11-track Jobbernowl finds the band delivering a mix of propulsive garage rockers, sophisticated baroque pop and timeless power pop — all bolstered by soaring vocal harmonies. The hard charging opener "I Dig Your New Robes, Pierre!," bewitching Baroque rocker "2020 Revision," lovely "All That Is Solid Melts Into Air," power pop swoop "Mandy Rice-Davies Applies" and immersive "Metamorphosis" collectively showcase a band that deserves to be heard far and wide. Spygenius features singer-guitarist/chief songwriter Peter Watts, keyboard player Matt Byrne, drummer Alan Cannings and bassist Ruth Rogers. Information: BigStirRecords.com. 

Artist: Seth Swirsky

Title: Songs From The Green Couch (Lolipop Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, the Monkees, Badfinger, Julian Lennon

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Seth Swirsky returned with another batch of indispensable ear candy courtesy of his self-produced Songs From The Green Couch, a 15-track disc that is as ambitious as it is listenable. Take the opener; "Sunny Day" opens with a chamber pop section before burgeoning into a Beatlesque push. The instantly-inviting "I Don't Wanna Lose You" is pure power pop and executed with absolute perfection. Standouts abound on this terrific release; the beautiful Baroque-mining "Cashmere Sweaters," the frightful "Dead," irresistible "Making It Up As We Go Along," shimmering "Rose Avenue" (the latter bolstered by some sharp guitar work from Kirk Hellie) and luxurious closer "American Bar" are among this writer's other favorites on the masterwork. "The record was a two year process," Swirsky says in the press notes for the album. "I started writing and recording the record at the beginning of a serious new relationship I was having — it continued during a very painful breakup. Thus, the album oscillates between many hi’s and lo’s for me personally, which are reflected in the lyrics." If you love melodic and smart songcraft, get a copy of Songs from the Green Couch. Information: RealSeth.com.  

Artist: She & Him

Title: Melt Away: A Tribute to Brian Wilson (Fantasy)

You might like if you enjoy: She & Him, Brian Wilson 

Tell me more: She & Him — M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel — returned this year with their first new full-length album since 2016, the delightful Melt Away: A Tribute to Brian Wilson. The title features the duo's signature blend of 1960s pop sheen and indie rock sensibilities, a perfect fit with Wilson's timeless songcraft. While She & Him cover a few of Wilson's best-known hits, they more often stray off the beaten path across the 14-track set. The strength of the album spans from the uplifting "Do It Again" and "Good To My Baby" to the melancholy-adorned "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "Melt Away" and darker currents of " 'Til I Die" (the disc's most stirring track). A touching tribute to the 80-year-old Wilson and welcome return from She & Him in one essential collection. Information: sheandhim.com. 

Artist: Tears For Fears

Title: The Tipping Point (Concord Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Tears For Fears, The Beatles, Jason Falkner, Pugwash

Tell me more: The high-profile return of Tears For Fears courtesy of the duo's highly-anticipated The Tipping Point is definitely worth celebrating. The new masterwork —  the first new album from Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith in more than 17 years —  equals the ambition, sonic craft and artistic mastery of past classics like The Hurting (1983), Songs From The Big Chair (1985), The Seeds of Love (1989) and Everybody Loves a Happy Ending (2004). The album is filled with stellar cuts; the title track "The Tipping Point" is a deeply affecting song chronicling the feeling of helplessness of watching someone you love lose their battle with disease. Another favorite is  the shimmering "Break The Man," which is a call for more equality between men and women. The beautiful and evocative "Rivers Of Mercy," grief-filled "Please Be Happy," swirling "Master Plan" (a yearning to understand God), the triumphant rocker "End of Night" and luxurious "Let It All Evolve" (the latter a bonus track available via a Target exclusive edition) are among the other treasures on the must--hear disc. Few artists have been able to mine Beatlesque soundscapes like Tears For Fears while charting their own inventive course. Information: tearsforfears.com. 

Artist: Walter Trout

Title: Ride (Provogue Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Rory Gallagher, Canned Heat

Tell me more: Walter Trout has been at the forefront of modern blues dating back to his role as a guitarist with Canned Heat from 1981 to 1984 and subsequently with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers from 1984-1989. Since embarking on his solo career 33 years ago, his stature has only grown. Now on Ride — Trout's 30th solo release — the singer-songwriter/guitar great delivers a masterwork fully in tune with his myriad of life experiences. The exceptional material features a mix of affecting ballads and uptempo blues rockers with all of the material bolstered by Trout's exceptional guitar work and signature vocals. Highlights include the aptly-titled opener "Ghosts," searing "Better Days Ahead," beautiful "Waiting for the Dawn," confessional high-powered blues rocker "I Worry Too Much" and evocative album closer "Destiny.". Information: WalterTrout.com.

Artist: Michael Ubaldini

Title: Rabbit Foot Carnival (Blackwater Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones' "Exhile on Main Street"

Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini returned in June 2022 with Rabbit Foot Carnival, a bona fide masterwork that finds the acclaimed artist using rich melody-adorned songcraft to ignite his literate observations on life, love, death, faith, the frayed American dream and the uncertain forces that propel each of us toward an uncertain tomorrow. Effortlessly dipping into roots rock, Americana, country blues, folk and gospel across 14 original songs, Ubaldini uses that vast sonic canvas along with his signature songwriting to zero in on these especially troubled times. Early standout cuts on the album include the irresistible rocker "Lazarus Blues" (bolstered by the terrific gospel vocals of Julie Harris), spirited celebration of faith "Free If You Want It," rollicking old school rocker "Rats In Your Attic" and haunting acoustic blues sortie "Roadside Prayer." The magic continues with late disc standouts like the driving Rolling Stones-flavored "Sabre Jet," poignant "General Store," and "Love Up Close," and rollicking blues rocker "Black Diamond Train." Information: rocknrollpoet.com.

Artist: Pete Yorn

Title: Hawaii (Shelly Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Pete Yorn, The Postal Service, R.E.M.

Tell me more: Pete Yorn returned in June 2022 with another fantastic batch of tuneful and enticing folk rock originals via Hawaii. Co-produced by Yorn with Jackson Phillips, the 10-track album is a phenomenal return for the New Jersey native. Standouts include the driving melodic opener "Elizabeth Taylor," sweeping "Never Go" with its burgeoning melodic build, wistful "'Til The End," shimmering dream pop gem "Also Roses" and luxurious closer "Stay Away." The piano-anchored "Ransom" is particularly affecting, Yorn's yearning vocals capturing his emotional pain in one of the disc's high points. Information: PeteYorn.com.