Rodney Crowell, the renowned Americana musician, has made the decision to unveil a long-hidden album titled *Then Again*, originally recorded in 2006. The album came to light when a part-time assistant found it on an old hard drive while sorting through Crowell’s storage. This unexpected discovery has enabled Crowell to reconnect with a pivotal period in his illustrious career, showcasing some of his most cherished collaborations.
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Featuring contributions from notable artists such as Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, and the late Guy Clark, *Then Again* serves as a valuable addition to Crowell’s expansive discography. It is seen as a natural extension of a trilogy of acclaimed records produced between 2001 and 2005: *The Houston Kid*, *Fate’s Right Hand*, and *The Outsider*. These albums were instrumental in establishing Crowell as a key figure in the Americana genre, yet *Then Again* remained unreleased until now due to Crowell’s desire to explore new creative avenues.
Reflecting on the album’s tumultuous journey, Crowell explained that he opted to shelve the project at the time because he felt it echoed too much of his previous works. “I listened to it then, I just said, ‘God, I just hear all of my same production techniques glaring at me,’” he recalled. This self-awareness led him to prioritise different experiences in his music, aiming to develop a fresh artistic perspective.
However, upon rediscovering the album years later, Crowell found himself pleasantly surprised. “It sounded good to me,” he said. With nearly two decades having passed since its initial creation, he described the revisiting experience as refreshing. “The production didn’t sound dated. It didn’t sound like something I’d just done over and over again,” Crowell added, highlighting how time has shifted his perception of the music.
*Then Again* not only reconnects Crowell with his musical roots but also features an ensemble of collaborators from his earlier career. Friends and associates such as Benmont Tench complement the collection, reinforcing the strong creative bonds that defined this phase of his artistry. Crowell articulated the significance of this synergy by stating, “When the creativity becomes sort of one thing, a language develops that’s really not about words.”
One of the album’s standout tracks features a poignant collaboration between Crowell and Guy Clark, who passed away in 2016. This track, titled “Are You One of Us?”, represents their final recorded session together. Crowell shared a particularly heartfelt memory from that time. Despite some tensions between them, he reached out to Clark to channel their frustrations into their music. “When Guy was pissed off at you, it was the time to grow up,” he reflected, showcasing their mutual respect and understanding through collaborative artistry.
Another highlight of the album is the track “Whatcha Gonna Do Now #2,” featuring Lovett and Chely Wright. Accompanied by a visually stunning music video, the song captures a sense of the American spirit, oscillating between pastoral prairies and urban landscapes. This track embodies Crowell’s ability to encapsulate emotional and cultural narratives through music.
At 74, Crowell remains steadfast in his commitment to creativity. He expressed a desire to continue producing art until his last breath, stating, “I want to remain as creative as I can until I drop dead.” While many artists may focus on curation of their legacy, Crowell’s aim is clear: he seeks to engage with the ever-evolving nature of music and creativity.
As *Then Again* becomes available on major streaming platforms, Crowell reflects on the impact he hopes it will have on listeners. He wishes that new fans might be compelled to explore his broader catalogue, possibly reintroducing them to his earlier successes over the last quarter-century.
With this latest release, Crowell not only revisits his past but also reinvigorates his artistic journey. The rediscovery of *Then Again* celebrates a significant chapter in an esteemed career, marking a chance for rejuvenation in appreciation of his work that continues to resonate across generations.