Recorded over the course of three days in Austin,
Everything
strikes a nice balance of consideration and spontaneity. The consideration comes from the songs themselves, which are as expertly crafted as all the songs
Darden Smith
has written over his past 14 albums. Some of these were penned with other writers --
Matraca Berg
collaborated on "Firefly,"
Radney Foster
co-wrote two songs -- but all reflect
Smith
's sensitive, questioning nature. Appropriately, the record feels subdued, but that's where the spontaneity comes into play. Yes, the record is hushed and gentle, but by recording these quickly with a team of seasoned pros (including
Charlie Sexton
on guitar),
feels fresh and fleet, not sleepy. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine