Album of the Day

Kentucky-born singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson redefined outlaw country with his major label debut, A SAILOR'S GUIDE TO EARTH. The 2016 Atlantic collection was cut in Nashville but casts the Music City rulebook to the winds, incorporating progressive flourishes (check out the fantastical cover art), soul (The Dap-Kings make a guest appearance) and a Nirvana cover (“In Bloom”) among other things. It's a concept album written as an open letter to Simpson's newborn son, and such heartfelt songs as “Brace for Impact (Live a Little)” and “Keep It Between the Lines” will resonate with fans of every stripe. For all its ambition, the self-produced set isn't shy about showing its traditional roots, helping A SAILOR'S GUIDE TO EARTH earn the Grammy for Best Country Album.