Rodney Crowell's latest offering, "Close Ties," is a delightful ode to cats, cowboys, and crooners. The album kicks off with the toe-tapping opener, "East Houston Blues," which showcases Crowell's impeccable storytelling and heartfelt vocals. It's the kind of song that makes you want to grab a whisky and hit the dance floor, even if you're alone in your living room. Crowell continues to impress with tracks like "Reckless" and "Life Without Susanna," which delve into the complexities of love and loss with raw emotion and lyrical finesse. His songwriting is like a fine wine, getting better with age and leaving you intoxicated with every word. But it's really on tracks like "It Ain't Over Yet," featuring the legendary Rosanne Cash and John Paul White, where Crowell truly shines. The harmonies are tight, the melodies are infectious, and the lyrics are as poignant as ever. It's a song that will have you hitting repeat before you even realize it. Overall, "Close Ties" is a masterful blend of Americana, country, and folk that solidifies Rodney Crowell as a true musical genius. So grab your cowboy boots, pour yourself a drink, and let yourself be whisked away by the enchanting sounds of this album. Trust us, you won't regret it.