From A Room: Volume 2

Nashville institution Chris Stapleton followed his 2015 breakthrough with two new albums this year. They showcase his omnivorous approach to country music in all its dignified melancholy.

Chris Stapleton extends a superlative run on From A Room: Volume 2, while War & Leisure finds Miguel in more radio-friendly territory. These, plus Neil Young & Promise Of The Real in this week’s notable releases.

Our take on the songwriter's second album this year.

Clarence Carter – Testifyin’ & Patches, Robert Finley – Goin’ Platinum!, and Charles Hayward & Thurston Moore – Improvisations

Like its predecessor, From A Room: Volume 2 is marked by casual virtuosity.

This was a year in which it seemed everybody wanted to put out more than one album.

Less a cohesive album than a sharply curated collection.