Merritt's effortless songwriting ability and talent is on full display on her sixth studio album, Stitch of the World.
Merritt sounds confident and in control at every moment, and her graceful passion is a wonder to behold.
It’s a very simple formula for success: Put Merritt in front of a crack band, keep the production subtle, and let her do her thing. Of course, that formula only works to this extent when you have a songwriter and performer with such copious talents.
The album is probably most similar to the scruffy, country-influenced Traveling Alone, but it feels deeper and dustier, its upbeat numbers more ragged and howling, its slower ones tipping into a well of soulful melancholy that's worthy of prime Rolling Stones.
While not quite as impressive as 2012’s Traveling Alone, there’s much to enjoy about Tift Merritt’s Stitch Of The World – not least the inspired contributions of her top-notch accompanists.
In Stitch of the World, Merritt beams bedraggled and beautiful as ever, as if watering the roots she wrangled, proving roots that are uprooted, are straining as ever, for a new ground to land upon.
The songs are wholesome, well-performed and quite charming, but very little will make you want to keep going back.
#48 | / | Albumism |