Thanks to Billy Strings, bluegrass has found a home in stadiums and arenas all across the country.
Having built a massive following largely upon the foundation of his spectacular live show virtuosic guitar playing, Strings continues to bring the traditional, string-fueled country sound to massive audiences through his own unique brand of heavily improvised and high energy jam grass, and bringing both country music and jam band fans together with each note he plays.
As amazing as his live show is, it’s easy to lose sight of his songwriting expertise and the top-to-bottom strength of his lengthy catalog of recorded music. Luckily, though, Strings has begun to release singles for his next album Highway Prayers, the first true original album since 2021’s Renewal, and his well rounded talent is back on full display.
And perhaps now more than ever, with the release of his brand new single “Stratosphere Blues / I Believe In You,” it seems as if the multifaceted nature of Strings’ sound and brand is on full display in the recorded version of his music as opposed to just on stage.
Immediately launching the listener into the sonic stratosphere, Strings’ latest single begins with a spacey sound and cadence that is going to fit perfectly with all of the effects of his live show, but just a couple of minutes into the track, he brings it all back to earth with a slow bluegrass sound and incredibly heartfelt lyricism.
Give the new tune “Stratosphere Blues / I Believe In You” a listen for yourself.
The second single off of Highway Prayers, which is due out on September 27, “Stratosphere Blues / I Believe In You” follows the recently released lead single “Leadfoot,” which already represents a fairly drastic range in sound and style on the record.
Highway Prayers Tracklist
1. Leaning on a Travelin’ Song
2. In the Clear
3. Escanaba
4. Gild the Lily
5. Seven Weeks In County
6. Stratosphere Blues / I Believe in You
7. Cabin Song
8. Don’t Be Calling Me (at 4AM)
9. Malfunction Junction
10. Catch and Release
11. Be Your Man
12. Gone a Long Time
13. It Ain’t Before
14. My Alice
15. Seney Stretch
16. MORBUD4ME
17. Leadfoot
18. Happy Hollow
19. The Beginning of the End
20. Richard Petty
Whether you like what you’ve heard here or not, Billy Strings and his band legitimately put on the best live show of any band in the world, and if they are coming through your city, attendance is mandatory.
