By Brent Thompson

It doesn’t seem possible that Hayes Carll has just released his 10th album, but that’s where we find him on his latest, We’re Only Human (Hwy 87 Records). Given this milestone in his recording career, it’s somehow fitting that we hear a more intimate, introspective side of the 49-year-old singer/songwriter on this release. He’s always sung an honest tune, but We’re Only Human reveals an even more personal side of him. Co-produced by Gordy Quist (Band of Heathens), the album’s 10 tracks deal with matters of forgiveness, trust, peace and grace. All easy and lighthearted topics, right? Hardly. But Hayes boils these themes down into layman’s terms for the listener, which has always been one of his strong suits. Keep writing and singing Hayes – we can’t wait to hear the next ten releases.