Album Review: Send A Prayer My Way by Julien Baker and TORRES

Photo courtesy of Matador Records

Indie singer-songwriters Julien Baker and TORRES (Mackenzie Scott) grew up with Southern roots in Tennessee and Georgia, respectively. For almost a decade now, the duo has been crafting their debut country music album, Send A Prayer My Way. Joining in on the common theme of indie and pop artists trying out their country twang this year, Baker and Torres do not disappoint with the 12-track album reminiscent of a classic Americana record. 

The album's beauty lies in the duo’s ability to balance the humorous charm of typical country music with deeply emotional and evocative lyricism. “Sugar in the Tank,” the record's first single, is jaunty and uplifting with a harmonious blend of Baker and TORRES’s distinct vocal styles. A classic country-rock guitar riff backs the song, while slight trills and flares characterize the vocals. “Dirt,” the album’s opening track, is haunting and most reminiscent of Baker’s solo work. Telling the story of struggling with addiction, the chorus croons, “Spent your whole life getting clean / Just to wind up in the dirt.” The song explores the complex and constant battle with your internal struggles and desires while a simple yet effective acoustic finger-picking pattern loops in the background. 

Being both openly queer artists, the album helps to re-introduce country as a respected genre in the queer community. Though Baker and TORRES are not the first queer artists to create country music, their contribution to the style only makes the genre that much more inclusive and loved by a new generation of listeners. “Tuesday,” with vocals led by Torres, narrates the hardships growing up queer and surrounded by Southern homophobia. The lyrics tell the story of love being torn apart by the characters’ parents. Near the end of the track, reminiscing on the lost young love, TORRES solemnly sings “And now I know that your shame was not mine / And I am perfect in my Lord’s eyes.” 

Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone

Despite the heavy themes that detail most of the track list, a scattered lighthearted air is present throughout the album. “The Only Marble I’ve Got Left” sounds as if it should be played in a Western saloon, with a perfected swing beat you could two-step to. The jaunty closing track, “Goodbye Baby,” starts with a spoken interlude by TORRES: “Hey Julien, what’s the difference between jelly and jam?” Before an answer can be said she blurts out, “I’ll tell you off mic.” The unexpected humor at the very end of the emotionally intense and gritty albums proves the creative talents that Julien Baker and Torres truly are. 

Queer country music is taking over, and it’s taking over fast. Send A Prayer My Way is a strong record that exhibits the artistic versatility of Julien Baker and TORRES. The album seamlessly critiques while also showing compassion for the South, something many listeners can relate to. The dynamic duo will embark on a headline tour starting April 23 with three stops in Texas, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.