Iron & Wine — Woman King

Building on the beautiful melodies of Our Endless Numbered Days, Sam Beam hits the studio to produce the equally heartfelt Woman King. Although there are only six songs here, the disc packs the emotional wallop of a full LP. Like his previous releases, Beam’s wispy tenor vocals, coupled with relaxed guitar arrangements, grab the heart with a ferocious grip. The sombre "Jezebel" is a gorgeous tune with all the quiet flourishes — banjo, soft harmonies — that make Iron & Wine more than just a dude with a guitar. Even the most "rollicking" tune, "Woman King," with its bluesy slide guitar sends the listener into quiet introspection and silent admiration for Beam’s ability to play with his listeners’ emotions.

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