Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind

Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind enlist the mythical production talents of Dave Cobb. Dave Cobb does what he does best….turns everything he touches into musical gold. The new album is recorded and masterfully arranged in an old church, and while Cobb inserts the occasional bass, fiddle or drum, the album primarily highlights Oliver Anthony and his guitar, showcasing a strategic and brilliant decision that plays to Anthony’s strengths. This recording environment not only enhances the natural reverb but also authentically captures the raw, gritty essence Anthony is celebrated for. With 18 tracks that alternate between music and biblical scripture, the album cleverly integrates one of Anthony’s signature approaches, reinforcing the smart and thoughtful construction of his work. Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind is a true extension of Oliver Anthony’s persona, perfectly embodying his identity and artistic vision without striving to be anything other than genuine.

Songs, Lyrics, and the Bible

I appreciate Oliver Anthony for who he is: an artist with true integrity, authenticity, and truthfulness. His genuine nature and clear sense of purpose resonate throughout his album, making his intentions and messages unmistakably clear. Despite my respect for his character, I’ll be brutally honest here. While Oliver Anthony is undeniably talented in his songwriting, with each track crafted to perfection, I find the content somewhat repetitive.

When Anthony hits a clever and poignant lyric, it truly stands out, yet the overarching theme of the album leans heavily towards a darker, more pessimistic view of the world. The recurring motifs of crooked politicians, poor people, going to heaven, going to hell, hell on earth, hell all around us, hell and dogs, lots of dogs….lots of hell. Though good songs on their own, in the context of being intertwined with biblical references, paint a gloomy picture of our current state. This artistic choice, while bold, casts Anthony as an AM radio evangelist, forewarning of the apocalyptic times. This is why Anthony is so divisive, and yet so popular, with millions around the world relating to the current climate of affairs, church and state. The man is a modern-day folk hero.

Standout Track

My favorite track on the album is Always Love You Like A Good Old Dog. It’s funny to me that Anthony mentions his dog in so many of his songs, but never his wife. Then, all of a sudden, you get this track, a thematic shift from doom and gloom to a beautiful love song in which Anthony compares his significant other to a “good ole dog.” It’s such a fitting metaphor to sum up the project, but then again, maybe it’s not a metaphor at all. Maybe he just loves his dog that much…

Tracklist:

Final Thoughts

Oliver Anthony continues on his path of authenticity.

Overall, it’s pretty simple: if you’re an Oliver Anthony fan or a fan of his overall message, you’re going to love this album. If you’re not, you’re going to absolutely hate it. Regardless, at the end of the day, with the help of Dave Cobb, this album is a perfect representation of Oliver Anthony and his music. At the end of the day, I’m pretty sure that’s the only intention.

Album Release: March 31, 2024

Label: Oliver Anthony Music/ radio wv

Favorite Tracks:Always Love You Like A Good Old Dog