“Best of…” albums are more than handy compilations; they are big-size overviews of long careers. For those already in the know, they are a great way of gathering just a few of an artist’s stand-out sonic moments in one place. For new listeners, they are a great first step into someone’s artistic world.
Although Ranzel X Kendrick demonstrably has one foot planted, as the album title suggests, in southern roots music and Lone Star state-infused Americana, the deft steps he does with the other foot is what makes things intriguing. The combination of poise and restlessness creates a unique and wonderfully adventurous sound, as his foot dabs, dances, jigs, and gyrates through various genres.
We get jazzy folk in the form of What A Pretty Day, countryfied ballads with Cactus Flower, relaxing blues courtesy of One Way To Del Rio, cowboy campfire songs such as the gorgeous Baptized in Butterflies and even some understated rock-driven grooves with Wayfarer.
If you are already a fan, this is a perfect playlist for when you want to appreciate the bigger picture. If you are new to Ranzel X Kendrick, this is the ideal place to start exploring his music before moving on to check out everything else he has ever done.