Looking for a CD that contains bluegrass, country and a bit of the Christian religion? If the answer is yes, then the answer to your search is Adrienne Young and Little Sadie's sophomore album, The Art of Virtue. This album has many catchy, toe-tapping songs that will have listeners smiling and picturing themselves at a bluegrass festival. This CD includes ballads, up-tempo bluegrass and even a cover of the Grateful Dead's "Brokedown Palace." In addition, this CD is filled with beautiful melodies played on the banjo, fiddle and acoustic guitar.
Young is a talented singer/songwriter that is often compared to Allison Krauss. Her first album, Plow to the End of the Row, was nominated for a Grammy in 2003 for Best Record Packaging. She wrote 11 of the 15 songs and produced the album for her own AddieBelle Records label. She plays the banjo and guitar as well.
The Art of Virtue, despite a slow start, picks up momentum after the first track and improves as it goes along. The second song, "Bonaparte's Retreat/My Love is in America" makes up for what the album's initial song lacks. This song makes you tap your toes and is an excellent example of traditional fiddlin'. Although there are no lyrics in this song, one still finds it extremely enjoyable. "Hills & Hollers" encapsulates life away from the hustle and bustle of a big city. It is very enjoyable and is sure to please country-loving fans.
One of the best songs on the album is called "My Love Will Keep." It is about enduring love — a love that lasts throughout time. This song is incredibly beautiful and will make listeners think about their special someone.
Even though there are many good songs on the album, there are a few that are not up to par. "Jump the Broom" is too twangy and by the song's end, Young's voice becomes annoying. Even for a listener who enjoys country and bluegrass, this song gets to be a bit much. "Ella Arkansas" gives off a vibe similar to "Jump the Broom." With a beat too fast for the lyrics, the song is decidedly one of the worst on the album. "Rastus Russell" is also far from a hit. The song, about people dying in an old country town, comes across as creepy and depressing. Although the track is interesting in the respect that it tells a story, the story's subject matter is far from uplifting.
One of the biggest problems with this album is that as it goes on, the songs tend to blend together and sound a lot alike. "Bonaparte's Retreat/My Love is in America" and "Golden Ticket" are both great songs, but sound very much the same since they both feature a banjo and fail to offer lyrics. The upbeat songs all seem as if they contain the same rhythm and after awhile that rhythm gets old. The album could be shortened by a few songs and the listener would not be missing much.
Despite the aforementioned issues, many of the songs on the CD are good and fun to listen to. The ballads are sweet and make listeners reminiscent of past loves and good times. This album may hit closer to home for country boys and girls, though, rather than those who have grown up in the city. Art of Virtue has a few good songs that are definitely worth listening to. Any bluegrass fan will really enjoy and be entertained, but if bluegrass is not what you are in to, this is not the CD to buy.
For any listeners interested in hearing selections from this album live, Young and Little Sadie will be in Madison Nov. 10 at Café Montmatre.
Grade: B