Sturgill Simpson says he intended to release five albums under his own name, and then record as someone else. (He’s already put out seven, but never mind.) So now he’s become Johnny Blue Skies, whose “debut” longplayer, Passage du Desir, is a harrowing account of terminal loneliness and romantic disaster. Should this rebranding raise fears of an unwelcome tangent — hold the synths, please! — don’t worry. The music is instantly recognizable as pure, brilliant Sturgill, a bracing blend of country, pop, and bluegrass that shows off his expressive voice to commanding effect. Nobody mixes anguish and determination better.
ALBUM REVIEW: As Johnny Blue Skies, Sturgill Simpson Wrings Every Drop Out of Heartbreak
