Willi Carlisle’s ‘The Universal Bubba’ is Stereogum’s ‘Album of the Week’

“The Universal Bubba,” the fifth full-length studio release from Arkansas-forged singer-songwriter Willi Carlisle, comes out on Friday, and Stereogum — a prominent publication that also happens my favorite place for indie music coverage on the web — already has some very nice things to say about it. 

Produced by country star Tyler Childers, “The Universal Bubba” earned Stereogum’s coveted “Album of the Week” distinction on Tuesday, with critic Chris DeVille opining that the record “already hits like a classic.” 

We’ve got a full report on the album dropping later this week, so we won’t spend too much time dwelling on Stereogum’s piece, but I’ve gotta share at least a few of these glowing tidbits: 

“He’s one of his generation’s finest Southern bards, conveying deeply human stories in a way only he could, working across a broad spectrum of twangy subgenres.” 

“Coming up with clever frameworks is one thing, but it takes a true artisan to write a song worthy of the gimmick. Carlisle consistently is up for the challenge.” 

“All that talent and toil has added up to a charming, challenging, inspiring album that never ceases to entertain. If there’s any justice, it’ll make Willi Carlisle a star.”

Color us excited! You can read the full review here.