Rustin' In The Rain

Tyler Childers’ sixth album, Rustin’ in the Rain, arrives on 8th September 2023 as a bold, multifaceted exploration of country’s evolving landscape. Released through his own Hickman Holler Records, the album continues to showcase Childers’ signature blend of raw lyricism and rootsy authenticity, while subtly pushing the boundaries of what country music can express. Co-produced by Childers and his backing band, the Food Stamps, this collection of songs feels both rooted in tradition and charged with forward-looking energy.

At the heart of the album is the lead single, “In Your Love,” a track that not only stands as a powerful love song but also drew significant attention for its music video, which portrays a tender romance between two coal miners in the 1950s. This visual story of forbidden love, set against a backdrop of hard-working Americana, is quintessentially Childers—grounded in real, gritty emotion while embracing universal themes.

The album also sees Childers paying tribute to country legends with his covers of Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and S.G. Goodman’s “Space and Time.” These covers are thoughtfully executed, reflecting Childers’ deep respect for the roots of the genre while maintaining his distinct voice. In a recent interview, he mentioned conceptualising Rustin’ in the Rain as if he were pitching the songs to Elvis Presley, and that spirit of reinvention is evident throughout the album’s diverse soundscape. The record incorporates not just country, but touches of blues, folk, and even elements of rock, showcasing Childers’ versatility as both a storyteller and a performer.

Critics have largely praised the album for its balance of traditional and contemporary influences. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic draws attention to Childers’ 1970s outlaw country influences but also highlights the album’s modern sensibility, particularly on tracks like “Phone Calls and Emails” and the video for “In Your Love.” As Erlewine notes, Childers treats country as a genre that’s ever-evolving, one that builds on its roots to encompass fresh perspectives. “With its empathetic heart and kinetic kick,” he writes, Rustin’ in the Rain exemplifies how country can remain both vital and vibrant, appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners alike.

Nadine Smith at Pitchfork echoes this sentiment, noting that the album is “impossible to mistake for anything but country music,” while emphasising that it isn’t necessarily a departure from the genre. Instead, Rustin’ in the Rain shines a light on country’s potential, acknowledging its storied history while imagining where it could go next. The album feels like both a nod to the past and an invitation to explore what’s to come—an album that respects the genre’s foundations while pushing at its edges.

Ultimately, Rustin’ in the Rain is an album that showcases Tyler Childers at his most confident and expansive. With its thoughtful production, deeply personal songwriting, and an undeniable sense of place, it’s a remarkable addition to his already impressive catalogue. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of traditional country or just discovering his music, Rustin’ in the Rain is an album that speaks to the heart of what country music can be—timeless, evolving, and deeply human.