Sturgill Simpson’s Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 2: The Cowboy Arms Sessions is a sequel that knows what it is doing. The record is a second volume of bluegrass reinterpretations, built around a live recording session that captures the band playing as a tight, unadorned unit. It is also the rare country record that feels both retrospective and forward-looking, drawing on older songs while giving them new arrangements that make the originals sound fresh again.
The album is a deep, cohesive follow-up to the first bluegrass reinterpretations volume. It is a record that unfolds like a story, with the songs sequenced in a way that builds toward its emotional peak. The addition of an original song, “Hobo Cartoon,” gives the project a sense of purpose beyond mere reinterpretation.
The Opener Sets the Tone
“Call to Arms” opens the record with a driving banjo and mandolin riff that sets the tone immediately. It is a call to arms in the literal sense, a song about resistance and resolve, and the band delivers it with a precision that makes the arrangement feel urgent rather than ornamental. The track runs 3:02, and it is over before it has fully settled in, which is a strength — it grabs attention without overstaying its welcome.
“Brace for Impact (Live a Little)” follows at 4:18, a slower, more contemplative number that lets the steel guitar carry the melody. The title is a warning, and the song plays it straight, with lyrics about staying grounded in the face of chaos. It is a strong track, but it does not quite reach the heights of the opener.
The Middle Stretch
“Oh Sarah” is a three-minute country ballad that leans into the romantic side of Simpson’s songwriting. It is a solid, mid-tempo number that does not break new ground but holds the listener’s attention through its straightforward delivery. “Sea Stories” picks up the pace slightly, a nautical-themed track that benefits from the band’s tight harmonies. It is a pleasant listen, though it does not stand out in the same way as some of the album’s other highlights.
“Hero” is a brief, atmospheric track that sets up the emotional arc of the record. At 3:04, it is one of the shorter tracks here, and it functions more as a transitional piece than a standalone standout. Its gentle acoustic guitar and reflective lyrics prepare the listener for what comes next.
The Turning Point
“Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)” is the longest track on the record at 4:41, and it is one of the most ambitious. The song takes on themes of isolation and belonging, with lyrics about feeling lost in a world that moves too fast. The arrangement is rich, with layered vocals and a rolling rhythm that keeps the track moving. It is a highlight of the middle portion of the album, even if it does not quite reach the peaks of the final stretch.
“Jesus Boogie” is a faster, more upbeat number that brings a sense of release after the heavier material. At 3:31, it is a fun track that shows off the band’s ability to shift gears. It is not a deep song, but it is a welcome change of pace.
“Keep It Between the Lines” is a mid-tempo track that deals with the tension between expectations and freedom. The song’s title is a metaphor for staying within boundaries, and the arrangement reflects that tension with a steady groove that never quite breaks free. It is a solid track, but it is not one of the record’s strongest moments.
“You Can Have the Crown” is a standout. It is a powerful, anthemic track that builds to a climactic chorus. The song’s message is about stepping aside and letting someone else lead, and the band delivers it with a confidence that makes the sentiment land. At 3:06, it is one of the shortest highlights, but it earns its place.
The Back Half
“Tennessee” is a slower, more introspective track that looks back at the state and its meaning. The song’s title is a reference to the place itself, and the arrangement is stripped down to let the lyrics breathe. It is a quiet, effective track that carries real weight. At 3:14, it is one of the longer tracks on the back half of the record.
“Some Days” is a shorter, more reflective number that deals with the passage of time. The song’s title is a simple statement of fact, and the arrangement matches that simplicity with a gentle, almost wistful melody. It is a pleasant listen, though it does not leave a lasting impression.
“Hobo Cartoon” closes the record as the album’s original song. It is a character study that draws on the folk tradition of storytelling through narrative. The song tells the story of a wanderer who has lost everything, and the arrangement gives it a sparse, acoustic feel that fits the lyrical content. At 2:32, it is the shortest track on the record, but it is also one of the most memorable.
How the Songs Unfold
The sequencing of the album is deliberate. The songs are arranged in a way that builds toward the emotional peak of “You Can Have the Crown” and the introspective close of “Hobo Cartoon.” The record opens with urgency, slows down in the middle, and then builds back up before ending on a note of reflection.
Here is the full running order:
| # | Track | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Call to Arms | 3:02 |
| 2 | Brace for Impact (Live a Little) | 4:18 |
| 3 | Oh Sarah | 3:05 |
| 4 | Sea Stories | 3:11 |
| 5 | Hero | 3:04 |
| 6 | Welcome to Earth (Pollywog) | 4:41 |
| 7 | Jesus Boogie | 3:31 |
| 8 | Keep It Between the Lines | 3:08 |
| 9 | You Can Have the Crown | 3:06 |
| 10 | Tennessee | 3:14 |
| 11 | Some Days | 2:53 |
| 12 | Hobo Cartoon | 2:32 |
Ranking the Tracks
The record’s best moments come in the middle and back halves, where “You Can Have the Crown,” “Tennessee,” and “Hobo Cartoon” form a trilogy of standout tracks. These songs are the reason the album succeeds, and they justify the entire project.
Here is how the tracks rank from strongest to weakest:
- “You Can Have the Crown”
- “Tennessee”
- “Hobo Cartoon”
- “Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)”
- “Call to Arms”
- “Jesus Boogie”
- “Brace for Impact (Live a Little)”
- “Oh Sarah”
- “Sea Stories”
- “Hero”
- “Keep It Between the Lines”
- “Some Days”
The Verdict
Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 2: The Cowboy Arms Sessions is a strong album that stands alongside its predecessor. The reinterpretations are faithful to the originals while giving them new life, and the original song adds a sense of continuity that elevates the project beyond a simple covers collection.
The record’s best moments come in the middle and back halves, where “You Can Have the Crown,” “Tennessee,” and “Hobo Cartoon” form a trilogy of standout tracks. These songs are the reason the album succeeds, and they justify the entire project.
The record is not perfect. The middle portion, particularly the tracks surrounding “Keep It Between the Lines,” can drag, and some of the covers feel like they are merely serviceable rather than essential. But the highs are high enough to carry the whole thing.
This is a soulful and absorbing record that rewards repeated listening. It is a reminder of why Sturgill Simpson remains one of the most interesting artists working in country music today.
- Call to Arms3:02
- Brace for Impact (Live a Little)4:18
- Oh Sarah3:05
- Sea Stories3:11
- Hero3:04
- Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)4:41
- Jesus Boogie3:31
- Keep It Between the Lines3:08
- You Can Have the Crown3:06
- Tennessee3:14
- Some Days2:53
- Hobo Cartoon2:32
