Then Came the Morning [B&N Exclusive]

Given the enthusiasm that the Lone Bellow's self-titled 2013 debut generated, they had their work cut out for them on album number two. Then Came the Morning is no sophomore slump; it establishes the group's individual identity. They co-wrote all the material and took real chances with arrangements and sound. This time out, the Lone Bellow enlisted the National's Aaron Dessner as producer. His brother Bryce is also on board, adding various string, wind, and horn orchestrations. This set is far more varied, savvy, and uplifting than its predecessor, yet sacrifices no depth. While some songs are still rooted in feelings of mortality, others deliver quiet passion, spiritual zeal, and hard-won affirmation, while remaining centered in their trademark "Brooklyn country music." Zach Williams' passionate, soulful voice leads all but one of the 13 songs, soaring above the guitars, mandolins, pedal steels, clattering snares, keyboards, strings, and horns in Peter Katis' mix. On the title track t