It's A Dying Art

As conversations about artificial intelligence and music reach a fever pitch, Little Big Town would like to remind you that music is a decidedly human art form. On this 12th studio album, the celebrated vocal quartet makes a case for organic music with 13 tracks packed to the brim with the masterful four-part harmonies for which the group is known and loved. LBT’s own Karen Fairchild co-produced It’s a Dying Art alongside Grammy winner Gena Johnson (Jason Isbell, The Highwomen), lending an additional sense of immediacy and intimacy to an already personal project. An a cappella intro leads into “Sucker for a Sad Song,” a deceptively peppy collaboration with Ashley Monroe, whose nimble phrasing and crystalline soprano slot nicely into the group’s intricate harmonies. Jason Isbell joins on “The Door,” a downcast ballad about the end of a long-term relationship, letting his expressive slide guitar serve as an additional voice. Kelsea Ballerini rounds out the guest list with “Closing Time,” a slow-burn soul song about a last-call love affair. If there’s a thesis on the album, it’s the title-ish track “Dying Art.” While its lyrics could be interpreted as a testament to the staying power of a rock-solid romantic relationship, the narrative could just as easily apply to a group of artists with a 25-plus-year history, ready to weather whatever storm—or technology—comes next.