Lifers

by Cody Jinks

Overview

Following a string of self-released albums that culminated in 2016's I'm Not the Devil making a surprise number four appearance on Billboard's Country Albums chart, Texas singer/songwriter Cody Jinks makes his label debut with the brooding, existentially concerned Lifers. A former hardcore singer who, through years of tenacious gigging and writing, established himself as a classic country outlaw on the fringes of the business, Jinks' success has been hard-won and, given the independent spirit of his music, it's somehow fitting that a label deal didn't enter the picture until he was already six albums in. With Lifers, released in 2018 by Rounder Records, the Fort Worth native offers a slightly amplified version of his earthy, honest, and frequently dark-toned country style. Like fellow high-achieving mainstream country outsiders Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell, Jinks' appeal lies not in the trucks-flags-jeans tropes of moneyed Nashville song machines, but in his salt-of the-earth feel and willingness to embrace the minor-key darkness that is more likely the reality of much of his audience. From the brooding lead single "Must Be the Whiskey" to the acoustic, cello-adorned "Head Case," he examines life's messier and more desperate moments, offering reassurance in a very human way. The title track, a heartfelt anthem of sorts for those weary and unsung souls deeply devoted to what may well be a dying trade or personal ambition, also feels like a nod to Jinks' own perseverance, putting out album after album and gigging endlessly with little recognition or reward until now. As straight-shooting as it is, Lifers isn't all gloom and existential woe; songs like "Big Last Name" and "Can't Quit Enough" are freewheeling honky tonk rockers with a pleasing blue-collar appeal and fun vibe. Newfound success and new label or not, Lifers is another rock-solid release in Jinks' remarkably consistent career. ~ Timothy Monger

Product Details

Release Date:	01/02/2024
Label:	Late August Records
UPC:	0888072225244
Rank:	43984

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Cody Jinks   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals,Guitar (Acoustic)
Chris Claridy   Lead Guitar,Guitar (Rhythm),Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar
Joshua Thompson   Bass,Vocals (Background)
Maureen Murphy   Vocals (Background)
Carole Neuen-Rabinowitz   Cello
David Colvin   Drums,Percussion
Kristen Rogers   Vocals (Background)
Leroy Powell   Guitar (Acoustic)
Carol Rabinowitz   Cello
Stephcynie Curry   Vocals (Background)
Drew Harakal   Melodica,Keyboards,Guitar (Acoustic)
Austin Tripp   Pedal Steel

Technical Credits

Jimmy Hole   Design,Package Design
Joshua Thompson   Producer
Eric Allen   Composer
Arthur Penhallow, Jr.   Producer
Dan Shike   Mastering
Scott Copeland   Composer
David Colvin   Engineer
Austin Allsup   Composer
Ward Davis   Composer
Zachary "EZ" Nelson   Art Direction,Illustrations
Paul Cauthen   Composer
Gerardo "Jerry" Ordonez   Engineer
Cody Jinks   Composer
Billy Don Burns   Composer
Tennessee Jet   Composer
Josh Morningstar   Composer
Gerardo Ordonez   Engineer
Edward Spear   Mixing,Engineer
Charles Godrey   Engineer