2021 studio album by Sturgill Simpson
| The Ballad of Dood and Juanita |
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| Released | August 20, 2021 (2021-08-20) |
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| Recorded | 2021 |
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| Genre | Bluegrass[1] |
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| Length | 27:46 |
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| Label | High Top Mountain |
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| Producer | Sturgill Simpson |
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The Ballad of Dood and Juanita is the seventh studio album by American country music singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson, released on August 20, 2021. Simpson describes the album as "traditional country, bluegrass and mountain music, including gospel and a cappella." Simpson wrote and recorded the album in a week,[2] with a backing band known as the Hillbilly Avengers.[1][3] Willie Nelson guests on the song "Juanita".[4]
The Ballad of Dood and Juanita is a concept album set in eastern Kentucky during the American Civil War. Described by Simpson as "a simple tale of either redemption or revenge",[5] the album's narrative revolves around the titular couple: the sharpshooting Dood and his beloved Juanita. When Juanita is kidnapped by an outlaw named Seamus McClure, Dood sets out with his mule Shamrock and his dog Sam to rescue her.[1][6]
Critical reception
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic wrote that, "Its brevity means that The Ballad of Dood & Juanita can initially seem a bit slight, yet it's ultimately quite sturdy, an album that gains its strength from Simpson's dogged dedication to the concept – there's nothing extraneous in his songs here – and the impeccable execution of the band."[3] Lee Zimmerman of American Songwriter called the album "yet another example of [Simpson's] unfettered ambition", and "his most rugged and resilient yet."[5] NME's Leonie Cooper called the album "less a chart-friendly collection of twanging country tunes and more a deft slice of sonic storytelling", and concluded: "The Ballad of Dood & Juanita is not just a faithful, fun celebration of a traditional sound, but that of a traditional form, too."[6]
Pitchfork's Grayson Haver Currin, in his review of the album, wrote: "By turns romantic, playful, sympathetic, and solemn, The Ballad of Dood and Juanita is a compelling update on American frontier mythmaking, delivered by a band good enough to push lovingly against genre conventions."[1] David Browne of Rolling Stone referred to The Ballad of Dood and Juanita as "both the most natural and most baffling record [Simpson's] ever made."[7] Browne added that, melodically, the album's songs seem "as if Simpson spent more time on the story and imagery than the melodies", writing: "As much as you have to admire Simpson for making such an oddball and ambitious record, the album rarely transcends its tale."[7]
