Margo Price, “All American Made”
Margo Price extends her deep country roots in new directions on “All American Made,” her sophomore album that adds tads of Memphis soul and dabs of gospel and even reggae to her solid East Nashville foundations. Her takes on romance and daily living are far from one-sided, as she admits causing pain (“Weakness”) as much as suffering it (“Don’t Say It”). The fact that she’s a working mother has an understandable effect across several songs, including “Pay Gap” and “Nowhere Fast.” Willie Nelson guests on the towering “Learning to Lose,” and the contrast between her pure voice and his venerable tones makes for a gripping combination. The country music establishment can be difficult for adventurous artists to conquer, even if they veer just slightly from the limiting norms. But the first-rate songwriting helps Price break even further through any barriers — real or artificial.