My Favorite Place (Sky Crunch, 2024)

Since the death of George Jones, Jim Lauderdale has been "The King of Broken Hearts": few have sung a hurting song as Jones did, and Lauderdale does with pain, regret and accountability dripping from every vocal inflection, a reminder of what country music could again become.

Now 37 albums into his decades spanning career, Mr. Americana returns with yet another collection of pedal steel-swamped compositions bringing comfort if only because our lives aren't quite as bleak as those experienced by "Mrs. Green" or he who brags that "I'm a Lucky Loser." Especially well-written by Bob Minner and Lauderdale — much as one may find in a Tom T. Hall song — "Mrs. Green" finds our singing protagonist offering support to the forsaken.

While the album is exactly what we have come to expect when Lauderdale focuses himself on straight-ahead, retro-country, there are a number of songs that stand above. "The Lightning Tree" takes a pleasing twist so that it doesn't end in the anticipated heartache; co-written with Jack Clement, this dark, foreboding song hits on all fronts.

"You'll Be Gone By Then," "Baby Steps" and "My Favorite Place" capture Lauderdale in excellent voice, wringing late night regret from hard country heartbreak and poor choices. "What's Important After All" is brighter with the Tin Pan Alley-influenced "Sweethearts Remember" also shining a positive light on relationships. "Don't You Treat 'Em That Way" gives drummer Dave Racine an opportunity to drive the beat with "You've Got to Shine" also featuring some verve.

Long-time Game Changer Craig Smith handles the majority of the guitar work, both electric and acoustic, with Chris Scruggs making select appearances including alongside Kenny Vaughan on "I'm a Lucky Loser." Co-producer with Lauderdale, Jay Weaver plays bass throughout. The album features additional members of Lauderdale's touring troupe including Micah Hulscher (keys) and Lillie Rae Rische (background vocals.) The prevalent pedal steel is played by Tommy Detamore, Steve Hinson and Will Van Horn.

As a Jim Lauderdale album, "My Favorite Place" offers few surprises. None are needed. The latest from Lauderdale delivers exactly what we want: quality country music.