Natural Forces with songs by his favorite Lone Star brethren (Eric Taylor, David Ball, Townes Van Zandt, etc.), along with illustrations from his own pen that vividly convey his love of life in this republic. With impeccable backing by his Large Band, Lovett stylistically shape-shifts from gorgeous, aching balladry (“Whooping Crane”) to Bo Diddley be-bop (the hilarious “Farmer Brown/Chicken Reel”) to honky-tonk (“Pantry”) to flat-out rock (“It’s Rock and Roll,” the “What’s Her Name”-like closer co-written with Robert Earl Keen). Alternating between clever, double-entendre-filled sarcasm and real pathos as only he can, Lovett creates another indelible portrait of Texas — and delivers one more treasure worth sharing far beyond its borders.
