Black Ribbons (Bullet)

This Bullet version of Black Ribbons strips down the original concept album, with contributions from Stephen King as the doomsday DJ, to ten essential tracks. It’s an odd decision, considering how successfully the original concept was executed, but Jennings, one supposes, wanted an album that played as one long player without conceptual interruptions. The music is undeniable. Far beyond the country music of his heritage, Black Ribbons swings towards prog-rock and prog-metal as tracks such as “Wake Up!,” “Triskaidekaphobia” and “Don’t Feed the Animals” clearly illustrate. Perhaps, Jennings wanted more attention paid to his songs. “Everything Else Is Illusion” plays like a John Lennon track circa 1970-71. “God Bless Alabama” plays like a country anthem flown into space. The piano ballad “All of This Could Have Been Yours” is a worthy vehicle for Jennings’ emotive vocals to take center stage. The title track is a gripping acoustic track that’s a deserved breather amongst the chaos. “California Via Tennessee” is a perfect tune for cruising down the highway. The album, in any form, remains one of Jennings’ best.