It always strikes me as silly when people argue until they’re blue in the face about whether something is Americana or Bluegrass. Mark and Maggie O’Connor released their new album, Life After Life, on April 26. Whether you call it Americana, Bluegrass, or something else entirely, I simply call it damn fine musicianship. Mark and Maggie have garnered numerous awards for their multi-instrumentalist talents, and this shines brightly on their new album.
Mark’s songwriting ability and production skills, coupled with Maggie’s vocal talents, create a perfect blend of depth and flair. Life After Life takes a deep dive into a very personal exploration. The album, inspired by the pandemic and Covid-19 lockdowns, is intended to help us reconnect and fall in love with life again. It reminds us to be thankful, all the while being highlighted by the vibrant sounds and nimble fingers of seasoned bluegrass players.
Highlights
The musicianship behind this album is truly special—precise, nuanced, and intricately deliberate. We Just Happened to Fly showcases the O’Connors’ ability to weave thematic storytelling and blazing instrumentals seamlessly. The track begins with a dueling violin and fast-paced flatpicked guitar. The intro is abruptly joined by Maggie’s vocal, creating a tension that enhances her storytelling. Mark, along with the drumbeat, joins in the call-and-response chorus, harmonizing, “We just happened to fly.” Tastefully complemented by effortless guitar and violin solos, the song uses cinematic metaphors to describe taking a leap of faith together and the journey that has led them to where they are now.
The title track, Life after Life, leans more into a traditional bluegrass groove, with an infectious beat heavily driven by a stand-up bass and snare drum. Mark plays multiple instruments throughout the tune, yet still manages to lay down all those sweet guitar runs that we’ve come to love. Co-written by Joe Henry, the lyrics are profoundly deep, metaphor-laden, and at times cryptic, very Dylan-esque. Overall, as far as my pea-bodied brain can surmise, the song could simply describe the world as we know it today, or possibly characterize life’s chaotic nature and the beauty within it as its cycle continues unbroken. Maggie O’Connor continues to let her vocals do the talking, no pun intended, as Life After Life proves itself as an instant classic.
More Standout Tracks
Tracklist
(Writers in parenthesis)
- Spice of Life (Jim Parker and Mark O’Connor)
- One Sunray at a Time (Mark O’Connor)
- Something to Love (Jason Isbell)
- We Just Happened to Fly (Joe Henry and Mark O’Connor)
- Life After Life (Joe Henry and Mark O’Connor)
- Wildflowers (Dolly Parton)
- All We Will Be (Joe Henry and Mark O’Connor)
- Ride Towards Home (Maggie O’Connor and Mark O’Connor)
- Love’s in Need of Love Today (Stevie Wonder)
- Verbovaya Doschechka (P.D. Arr. Mark O’Connor)
Final Thoughts
Mark and Maggie O’Connor showcase a newfound love for life in Life After Life.
Album Release: April 26, 2024
Favorite Tracks: Life After Life, We Just Happened To Fly
RootsnRevelry Grade:
For Tour and Merch: Follow Mark and Maggie O’Connor
You may also be interested in Kelly Hunt – Nothin’ On My Mind
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