Review: Alison Krauss & Union Station release ‘Arcadia’ album

Alison Krauss & Union Station. Photo Credit: Randee St. Nicholas.

Alison Krauss & Union Station released their latest studio offering “Arcadia” with award-winning bluegrass artist Russell Moore joining their band (in place of Dan Tyminski).

Aside from Alison Krauss and Russell Moore on co-lead vocals, the multi-Grammy award-winning group is comprised of Ron Block on acoustic guitar, Jerry Douglas on dobro and steel guitar, and Barry Bales on the bass.

“Arcadia” opens with the stirring ballad “Looks Like the End of the Road,” and it immediately breaks into “The Hangman,” where Russell Moore showcases his rich, rumbling voice (ironically enough Alison’s brother, Viktor co-wrote “The Hangman”).

Dan Tyminski co-wrote “The Wrong Way,” where Alison displays her crisp, crystalline voice. Once again, Moore showcases his velvet vocals on “Granite Mills.”

“One Ray of Shine” is atmospheric and the lyrics are pure poetry (compliments to co-writer Viktor Krauss) , and Alison picks up the pace with “Richmond on the James,” where Moore harmonizes well with her. The inclusion of the fun “North Side Gal” is sheer bliss.

After the ethereal “Forever,” it closes with the upbeat Russell Moore-led “Snow” and on a fitting note with the optimistic ballad “”There’s a Light Up Ahead” (where the listener can recall “Ghose in This House” in the way Alison hits the high notes).

“Arcadia” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.

The Verdict

Overall, Alison Krauss & Union Station are able to take their fans and listeners on a musical journey with “Arcadia.”

Russell Moore is a delight on this musical effort, and he helps elevate this album to a higher level (in many ways, Moore is the Larry Sparks equivalent of our generation, and that is meant as a compliment).

Each song has its own identity, and it is evident that the band members get better with age and experience. The musicianship on this album is top-notch.

It should have “Grammy winner” written all over it come next year’s Grammy Awards ceremony, especially in the bluegrass, country, folk, Americana, and roots categories.

“Arcadia” is a keeper, and it garners five out of five stars.

For more information on Alison Krauss & Union Station, their new music and tour dates, check out their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.