There are many impressive singer-songwriters. There are very few of the same caliber as McDermott. The songs are beautiful and his voice is classic. This marks his first new album in many years. It is one of the best albums of 2017. The 14 songs here are strong and captivating. Stephen Stills sits in on “People Are Weak,” an easy song to gravitate to, but it’s not the only tune of note. “A Thousand Cuts” (“Baby, when you count it all up/Feels like dying from a thousand cuts”) is a country song waiting to be discovered and made into a radio staple. “Red Betty” (“Oh Betty put your red dress on/Red dress on tight and long/Oh Betty put your red dress on/and rock your dad home”) is full of stunning guitar work and the timely “Hold Back the Water” (“Thunder clouds are turning black /like a sack of coal on the devil’s back”) and the fun “Wheels On the Road” are strong. Surprisingly good versions of “I Walk The Line” and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood are highlights, as well. Excellent album.