Review: ‘The Ballad of Dood and Juanita’ – Sturgill Simpson

Sturgill Simpson has forayed into a number of different genres in recent years, after starting his career in country music, he explored everything from prog-rock to bluegrass in subsequent albums.

This latest release is a concept album set around 150 years ago, focusing on a military veteran in the civil war. It has a natural sound to it, bringing Simpson back to his country and bluegrass roots. The marching snare drum introduces us to Dood and Juanita’s love in the prologue.

The storytelling lyrics of One in the Saddle, One on the Ground, set to an old-time country arrangement set the scene perfectly as a mini-western movie begins to play in your head as the characters come into focus. Juanita features vocals from the legend that is Willie Nelson and features cantina guitars. Simpson’s vocals are strong on this love song and it is a stand out on the album.

The lyrics and storytelling has been very well thought out by Simpson and it’s authentic sound compliments the concept.