Cuttin' Grass, Vol. 2: The Cowboy Arms Sessions
39 min · 12 tracks · country music
Acoustic country roots blend seamlessly with heartfelt storytelling, showcasing a raw yet polished sound distinct to Simpson's artistry.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Brace for Impact (Live a Little) — This track features a reflective narrative that encourages listeners to embrace life despite its challenges, embodying the album’s overarching themes of resilience and perspective.
-
→
Oh Sarah — With its poignant lyrics and tender delivery, this song showcases Simpson's ability to convey deep emotional truths while blending traditional melodies with modern sensibilities.
-
→
Jesus Boogie — Infused with a playful rhythm and clever wordplay, this track highlights Simpson's knack for blending humor and spirituality, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album excels in storytelling and acoustic craftsmanship, creating a cohesive and engaging experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent acoustic instrumentation throughout, primarily using guitar, banjo, and fiddle.
- Each track maintains a narrative focus, with lyrics that tell distinct stories rather than relying on abstract themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- heartfelt storytelling with warmth
- short tracks for quick listens
- inviting sing-along choruses
- acoustic sounds for cozy moments
- reflective tunes for introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party vibes
- prefer complex sonic experimentation
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Cuttin' Grass, Vol. 2: The Cowboy Arms Sessions marks Sturgill Simpson's return to his roots after the ambitious Sound & Fury released in 2019. This project follows his first volume of Cuttin' Grass, which reimagined earlier work in an acoustic style, further solidifying his versatility and commitment to traditional country sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chris Stapleton· Jason Isbell· Brandi Carlile
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)
The narrative shifts from an observational tone to a direct address, emphasizing the importance of cherishing fleeting moments of joy.
This transition invites listeners into a more intimate space, marking a departure from the previous reflective stance and deepening personal engagement.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Call to Arms 3:02
- 2 Brace for Impact (Live a Little) 4:18
- 3 Oh Sarah 3:05
- 4 Sea Stories 3:11
- 5 Hero 3:04
- 6 Welcome to Earth (Pollywog) 4:41
- 7 Jesus Boogie 3:31
- 8 Keep It Between the Lines 3:08
- 9 You Can Have the Crown 3:06
- 10 Tennessee 3:14
- 11 Some Days 2:53
- 12 Hobo Cartoon 2:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.