Chris Stapleton’s Starting Over is a country album that refuses to sit still. Released in 2020, it follows a period of heavy touring and commercial success, and it finds him digging deeper into the material he writes himself rather than leaning on cover songs. The result is a record that sounds both intimate and ambitious, willing to stretch out on ballads while refusing to play it safe.
Track by Track
The title track opens the record with a slow-burning confession, setting the tone of a man looking back at his past and deciding to leave it behind. “Devil Always Made Me Think Twice” is a sharp, bluesy rocker that shows off Stapleton’s guitar playing and his knack for a hook. “Cold” is the longest track here, a five-minute meditation that doesn’t rush anywhere.
“When I’m With You” and “Arkansas” are the album’s most straightforward cuts, simple love songs that don’t need much explaining. “Joy of My Life” is a piano-led ballad that finds Stapleton at his most tender, and it’s one of the record’s best moments. “Hillbilly Blood” is a swaggering anthem about pride and identity, a track that would fit comfortably on a live set.
“Maggie’s Song” is a tribute to his daughter, and it’s the most emotionally direct moment on the record. “Whiskey Sunrise” is a mid-tempo shuffle that doesn’t quite land the way the rest of the album does. “Worry B Gone” is a brief, radio-friendly pop-country cut that feels slighter than the material around it. “Old Friends” is a nostalgic reflection that leans on Stapleton’s storytelling strength.
“Watch You Burn” is a tense, propulsive track about betrayal and fire, and it’s one of the most dynamic songs here. “You Should Probably Leave” is a breakup song with a deadpan delivery that makes it feel both funny and sad. The closer, “Nashville, TN,” is a quiet, reflective ending that ties the record together without overstaying its welcome.
What Works
The album’s strengths are its willingness to experiment within the genre and its commitment to Stapleton’s own writing. He’s not afraid to let a song breathe, and the slower tracks like “Cold” and “Joy of My Life” reward patience. The rockers, meanwhile, show a side of him that’s more aggressive and less polished than his usual sound.
What Doesn’t Work
Not every track lands. “Whiskey Sunrise” and “Worry B Gone” are the weaker links, songs that feel like filler rather than statements. But even at their worst, they’re never bad enough to sink the record.
| Track | Length | Role |
|---|---|---|
| “Starting Over” | 4:00 | Opening statement |
| “Joy of My Life” | 4:34 | Best ballad |
| “Watch You Burn” | 4:03 | Best rocker |
| “Nashville, TN” | 3:35 | Closing statement |
- Album: Starting Over
- Artist: Chris Stapleton
- Year: 2020
- Tracks: 14
- Running time: 53 minutes
- Metacritic score: 81/100
Final Word
Starting Over is a strong, consistent record that shows Stapleton maturing as a writer without losing his edge as a performer. The highs are high, and the lows are brief. This is a country album that rewards attention and patience, and it stands as one of the better records of its year.
- Starting Over4:00
- Devil Always Made Me Think Twice3:51
- Cold5:09
- When I’m With You3:43
- Arkansas2:58
- Joy of My Life4:34
- Hillbilly Blood4:05
- Maggie's Song3:31
- Whiskey Sunrise3:22
- Worry B Gone3:15
- Old Friends4:01
- Watch You Burn4:03
- You Should Probably Leave3:33
- Nashville, TN3:35
