Billy Strings - Highway Prayers [2LP]

Billy Strings' Highway Prayers is a generous, road-worn bluegrass record spread across two 180-gram LPs, giving its long sequence plenty of space.

Released in 2024, his fourth studio album was co-produced with Jon Brion, an unexpected pairing that pays off in subtle textures and adventurous arrangements. The Michigan-raised picker wrote a set steeped in home, with "Escanaba" and "Seney Stretch" named for places in the state's Upper Peninsula, and the whole album carries the feel of long drives and late-night reflection. It went on to win the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album.

Opener "Leaning on a Travelin' Song" sets a rambling, open-road mood, and "Gild the Lily" is one of several tracks that show how far he can stretch traditional forms. Elsewhere the record wanders toward rock, psychedelia and old-time balladry without ever losing its bluegrass heart.

His regular band, including Billy Failing on banjo and Jarrod Walker on mandolin, is joined by guests such as dobro master Jerry Douglas, which gives the playing a warm, communal feel.

It is a big album, but that is part of the charm. Anyone who has caught Strings live will recognise the restless energy, and newcomers will find a modern bluegrass star still discovering new places to go.