Album Review: Alison Krauss & Union Station – Arcadia

Alison Krauss & Union Station has released their first album since 2011’s Paper Airplane. Each member of Alison Krauss & Union Station- Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Berry Bales, Ron Block, and Russell Moore is highly talented and successful on their own, but when they come together as a band, it is something very special and inspiring. This new 10-track album, Arcadia, is jam-packed with defeat and hope all in one peaceful yet challenging concept album.

As soon as the first note is uttered, it is vocally captivating. Alison Krauss blesses her music with an Amanda Seyfried sounding voice in both tone and emotion. The first track on this record “Looks Like The End Of The Road” is deeply emotional and filled with longing and sorrow, both lyrically and production wise. “The Hangman” brings power and soulfulness, highlighting vocals and subtle classic bluegrass instrumentals.

“One Ray Of Shine,” like the rest of Arcadia is beautifully deep and personal. “This is always where I dream nobody knows it’s here / This is where I want to stay / The silence tells the sun to give her one ray of shine.” The concept of needing and loving to be alone is shown in the same way this album comes together. A joyous sorrow and peace in the sadness.

Not only does Alison Krauss & Union Station have a surreal way of getting in touch with powerful emotions, as shown on “Snow” and “North Side Gal” the band truly stays a bluegrass country master figure with each band member showing off their skills and coming together to have some fun with their abilities.

Arcadia as a concept is thought of to be a place of peace. Alison Krauss & Union Station completely captured this idea, bringing peace and calmness to the storm of emotions displayed in this album.