Billy Strings’ ‘So Much for Goodbyes’: All 16 Tracks Ranked
The acclaimed bluegrass artist's latest album is a profound meditation on grief inspired by the recent death of his mother.
Billy Strings, a highly skilled bluegrass musician and songwriter, has released his fifth studio album, So Much for Goodbyes, which ranks highly among Americana albums born from personal upheaval. The record, co-produced by the renowned T Bone Burnett alongside Strings, features 16 tracks, none of which exceed seven minutes in duration.
Upon its announcement, Strings revealed that the album was created to honor his late mother and embrace the difficult period of grief in his life. To do so, he used his guitar as a coping mechanism, turning his heartbreak into songs. The artwork for So Much for Goodbyes was designed by his mother, further illustrating the significance of her contribution to the project.
The album features an impressive supporting cast, including Strings' longtime band consisting of Billy Failing on banjo, Royal Masat on bass, Jarrod Walker on mandolin, and Alex Hargreaves on fiddle. Additionally, the record showcases performances by legends such as Del McCoury, Alison Krauss, and Bryan Sutton through guest appearances.
Co-produced by T Bone Burnett, So Much for Goodbyes does not offer extended jams like Strings' live excursions, but instead focuses on crafting an instant addition to the canon of great Americana albums born from personal experiences. The ranking of every song on the album is provided by Billboard, emphasizing its importance and impact within the genre.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
