Have you listened to Colton Bowlin’s new album yet? If not, you need to drop what you’re doing and press play on it ASAP, because he may have just released one of the best albums of the year. It’s definitely one of the best so far, at least. Titled Grandpa’s Mill, the 12-track record is the soundtrack to the 21-year-old Bowlin’s upbringing and coming of age in his hometown of Albany, Kentucky, where his life was often centered around family and his grandfather’s feed mill where he spent quite a bit of time working and learning about life from him and his buddies. When Bowlin’s grandfather passed away just over a year ago, and his family decided to sell the business, it only seemed right to dedicate an album inspired by the people, stories, and circumstances that shaped him into the man he is today to his grandfather. And Grandpa’s Mill was the result. Taking on a nostalgic tone as the young artist reflects on these memories, he manages to set the scene clearly and paint a picture for the listener with imagery-laden lyricism and captivating storytelling. Though rooted in his own experiences with the Bluegrass State as the backdrop to his life, the universal nature of the underlying themes and sentiments conveyed through Bowlin’s songwriting – such as love, family, and mortality – is sure to resonate with listeners no matter where they reside. Sonically, the album covers some serious ground from singer-songwriter balladry, to honky-tonk country, to hard-driving rock and roll, but it all fits together in a cohesive manner bound together by Bowlin’s deft lyricism and unassumingly powerful vocal prowess. Distinctly his own while showing glimpses of similarity to today’s stalwarts like Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, and even the Red Clay Strays at times, it makes perfect sense that he collaborated with legendary producer David Ferguson to bring these songs to life. Best known for his work on albums like Childers’ Purgatory and Simpson’s A Sailor’s Guide To Earth, Ferguson has been an influential contributor on many of Kentucky’s most iconic projects, and his steady hand behind the boards helps elevate Bowlin’s vision here without ever overshadowing it. From love songs to murder ballads, and plenty of songs in between that all draw back to his late grandfather’s mill, Colton Bowlin’s latest album proves he is wise beyond his years with loads of songwriting and vocal talent that demands the attention of country music fans everywhere. Give the album a listen and see for yourself here: Here’s a few early favorites: “Clinton County” “Time for Sale” “Dirty River” “State Lines” “Grandpa’s Mill” Bowlin’s got a run of tour dates with Benjamin Tod on the schedule later this spring, and a slew of festivals lined up as well. If he’s coming to a city near you you’re not going to want to miss it, so check out his tour dates below. Colton Bowlin Tour Dates 4/18 – Roswell Music Festival – Roswell, GA* 4/26 – The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA^ 4/28 – Ace of Spades – Sacramento, CA^ 4/30 – The Depot – Salt Lake City, UT^ 5/1 – The Mishawaka – Bellevue, CO^ 5/2 – Ogden Theatre – Denver, CO^ 5/4 – Madrid Theatre – Kansas City, MO^ 5/5 – Gillioz Theatre – Springfield, MO^ 5/7 – The Bluebird – Bloomington, IN^ 5/8 – Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH^ 5/30 – Bash in the Bend – Gadsden, AL* 6/6 – Railbird Music Festival – Lexington, KY* 6/12 – Laurel Cove Music Festival – Pineville, KY* 6/13 – Braves Country Fest – Atlanta, GA* 6/27-6/28 – Rock the Country Sioux Falls – Sioux Falls, SD* 7/11-7/12 – Rock the Country Ashland – Ashland, KY* 7/31-8/1 – Boots in the Gorge – Oak Hill, WV* 8/8 – Ghost Town Music Festival – Grove City, PA* 8/9 – Rock the Country Hastings – Hastings, MI* 9/19 – Born & Raised – Pryor, OK* *festival date ^supporting Benjamin Tod & The Inline SixThe post Colton Bowlin Reflects On Life Growing Up In Kentucky With Spectacular Sophomore Record ‘Grandpa’s Mill’ first appeared on Whiskey Riff.