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Ever since Oliver Anthony went viral with the independent release of his 2023 hit 'Rich Men North of Richmond,' a song that topped the Billboard Hot 100, a full-length album from the Virginia native has felt imminent.
Now, his debut effort is officially here, the record – dubbed Hymnal of a Troubled Man's Mind – having dropped with little warning on Easter Sunday, March 31.
In a post on social media, the artist described the album as being "the story of my life from 2013 until 2023," adding, "It is intended for the listener to sit down in a quiet place, undistracted and just listen beginning to end. Every lyric, every note, and every everything is intentionally placed".
The album is ten-tracks-long, but each song is punctuated by the artist quoting from biblical scripture, his sturdy voice reading from Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, or Matthew between each striking tune. Previously-released tracks include 'VCR Kid', 'Rich Man's Gold', 'I Want to Go Home', 'I’ve Got to Get Sober' and 'Doggonit'.
"This album represents the most pure and transparent view inside my heart and soul that I could offer," the artist continued in his post. "While '[Rich Men North of] Richmond' was the song that got my name out in the public, these songs represent the true foundation of the music that got me through life up until now".
Many of the album's offerings were rerecorded from the original state as mere Android soundbites, the musician explaining, "I felt that it was my responsibility to give a handful of my early written songs the completion they deserve. Now, I can begin releasing my most recent work, without feeling like I skipped an important step". In this way, Hymnal of a Troubled Man's Mind plays like a promise of what's still to come from the Virginia songwriter.
On release day, he shared in another post, "We decided to release this on Easter, we felt compelled to due so; heavily because of the grace that has been afforded to us by Jesus as he took on the entire sin of the world as a payment for us and our inequities".
"Lord knows we need all the help we can get down here," he continued. "fortunately for us, we don’t have to be 'good enough' for Jesus, he is a loving God that affords forgiveness and abundant grace to anyone who would trust in him, whether they be the broken, the downtrodden, the abused, the alcoholic, the drug addict, the thief, or anyone else. This is an album for you, the people."
Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind Tracklist:
1. Rich Man’s Gold
2. Doggonit
3. I’ve Got to Get Sober
4. Cobwebs and Cocaine
5. Hell on Earth
6. I Want to Go Home
7. Feeling Purdy Good
8. Always Love You Like a Good Old Dog
9. VCR Kid
10. Momma’s Been Hurting
For more on Oliver Anthony, see below:
