Crowder continues his musical exploration of a wilderness season on “The EXILE,” his sixth studio project and the second installment in a trilogy of concept records that began with 2021’s “Milk & Honey.” Prior to its release, the highly anticipated album already notched a No. 1 hit in the form of lead single “Grave Robber.” The song’s fuzzy guitars and dark undertones provide a partial preview of the entire 12-track collection. Yet, as with its predecessors, “The EXILE” is full of sonic surprises that are quintessential Crowder.
While the Texas native is known for blurring genre lines, every addition to his discography tends to lean a little more in one direction than another. “Milk & Honey” honed in on Crowder’s heavy-hitting rock sensibilities that fueled an impressive tour itinerary for the showman over the course of the past few years. Conversely, “The EXILE” embraces Crowder’s penchant for country storytelling and bluegrass instrumentation. Much like his solo debut, “Neon Steeple,” the songs on his latest effort employ an ample amount of banjo, pedal steel and dobro.
Lyrically, there’s a subtle thematic thread of mortality and making the most of this brief life we have here on Earth, or as he puts it on “— [DASH]” — that “little line” between two dates. The cleverly penned track boasts an original rap by none other than TobyMac and serves as the first of the album’s two features. The second guest contributor shows up on penultimate offering “All My Tears” courtesy of Buddy Miller, whose wife wrote the song eventually recorded by Americana legend Emmylou Harris. Jars of Clay also covered the moving ballad for their landmark release, “Good Monsters.” Crowder’s version retains the haunting emotion and stripped-back bluegrass instrumentation of the original. In keeping with the underlying subject of end of life, it effortlessly blends in with the album’s other all-new recordings, despite being the only track he didn’t co-write.
Songs like “STILL” — an immediate standout — and “Somebody Prayed” combine Crowder’s country-pop perfection with his extraordinary lyrical prowess to create two exceptional tracks. In the same vein, crown jewel “Hands of Jesus” becomes the record’s obvious frontrunner on the strength of its touching storyline, which outlines the narrative of a little boy whose dad was a carpenter and who grew up into a man with an extraordinary calling. “Hands of Jesus” could easily be a hit single for country artists of faith like Thomas Rhett or Scotty McCreery.
Album closer and sage selection “Truth Be Told” (Listen for the crickets heard in the first few seconds!) and barnburner “Unstoppable” retain similar front-porch aesthetics. The former showcases Crowder’s uncanny ability to load a three-minute song with simple wisdom, while the latter kicks his wild, left-of-center personality into overdrive. With eccentric lyrics and a full-on fusion of genres, “Unstoppable” is poised to be quite the spectacle on stage as the engaging frontman begins touring this new music. In fact, “Unstoppable” packs the kind of one-two punch that makes it feel like a sister song to fan favorite, “Run Devil Run.”
Ever the mad scientist, Crowder proves risks are worth taking. Despite its tendencies, “The EXILE” isn’t a full-blown country record, however. In signature Crowder style, the award-winning artist deploys ample doses of brooding rock, hook-riddled pop and unconventional worship alongside his self-described “porch music.” His leaps of faith pay off on a concept record that serves up songs of substance that will seamlessly fill out his live set.
Never content to simply follow trends, Crowder is a born leader. With every successive release, the innovator continues to intentionally swim upstream. Eschewing categorization, “The EXILE” is an enjoyable, boundary-pushing listen from front to back, providing a hope-filled soundtrack for anyone who might find themselves wandering in a wasteland.
Fans can hear new songs from “The EXILE” when Crowder performs as part of the multi-artist lineup for “K-LOVE Live in Honolulu” June 22, 2024, and “K-LOVE Live at Red Rocks” Aug. 7, 2024.
