Album Review: Cris Jacobs – One Of These Days

Cris Jacobs' latest album, One of These Days, is a journey through the roots of bluegrass music, blending elements of blues and folk into a captivating auditory journey. With this album, Jacobs showcases his remarkable songwriting skills, soulful vocals, and masterful guitar work, cementing his status as one of the most compelling voices in Americana. We are so glad he is back with his first album in five years as it was exactly what we needed in 2024. 

Jacobs’ approached the creation of One of These Days with a clear vision and a commitment to authenticity. Drawing from his deep well of musical influences, Jacobs set out to create an album that honored the rich tradition of American music while also pushing the boundaries of the genre. With a focus on storytelling and emotional honesty, Jacobs crafted each song with care, drawing inspiration from his own life experiences as well as the world around him. Collaborating with a talented group of musicians, including Billy Strings, Lindsay Lou, Sam Bush, Lee Ann Womack and the McCrary Sisters, Jacobs ensured that each track on the album was infused with the perfect energy and emotion.

Working closely with producer Jerry Douglas, Jacobs brought his vision to life, creating an album that is both timeless and contemporary. His collaboration with The Infamous Stringdusters as his backbone in the album brings it all home. From the foot-stomping energy of the title track to the haunting beauty of "Everybody’s Lost," "One of These Days" is a testament to Jacobs' skill as a songwriter, musician, and storyteller.

The album opens with the track "Heavy Water," a foot-stomping anthem that immediately grabs your attention and makes you want to start dancing. Jacobs' vocals are perfectly complemented by the infectious groove laid down by the band, creating a sound that is both timeless and fresh. It's an irresistible introduction to the album and sets the tone for what's to come. Another highlight of the album is "Poor Davey," a ballad that showcases Jacobs' soulful voice and impeccable guitar work. This ballad features Billy Strings' virtuosic guitar picking dancing around Jacobs' vocals while Strings shares backing vocals during the chorus.  The song's arrangement allows Jacobs' vocals to take center stage, and the result is nothing short of mesmerizing. It's a song that stays with you long after it's over, haunting your thoughts like a long-lost memory.

It's difficult not to want to highlight every song on this album. Each track on "One of These Days" is truly remarkable and special. Listening to this album feels like coming home after a long journey away. The featured musicians bring the perfect energy to each song, and Cris Jacobs consistently delivers with his soulful voice, guiding us home with every track.

(Cover Photo Credit: Joshua Black Wilkins)