Being the son of a living Country legend and boasting Neil Young as your mentor gives Lukas a certain kudos even before you hear a single note of any of his songs.
Having none other than Lady Gaga singing on two tracks (Carolina and Find Yourself) further extends his potential audience.
Ms Gaga is billed as Stefani Germanotta and, though her role is relatively low key, her presence illustrates that Nelson Jr is intent on producing more than just another cosmic country album.
The routes and roots of that well trodden generic road are still prominent but not overly dominant. The lesser known Brooklyn-based Indie band Lucius help extend the range by providing backing vocals on five tracks (including the aforementioned Carolina) .
You're never too far from Texas but Nelson's not unduly blinkered in his perspective. In the tongue-in-cheek topicality of High Times he imagines a deluded American citizen dying for Fox news and skewed views.
For the most part these are solid, likable tunes although meandering guitar solos prolong Set Me Down On A Cloud and Forget About Georgia in an overly indulgent fashion
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In the light-hearted Four Letter Word, the title denotes not 'love' or 'f***' but, confusingly, 'forever'. Elsewhere, the singer shows his tender heart in the soothingly soulful Breath Of My Baby.
Just Outside Of Austin has the laid back charm of Glen Campbell's 'Gentle on my Mind' and he sounds most like his Dad Willie on If I Started Over.
Overall the album skillfully blends the nostalgic with the new in a manner that shows that Lukas Nelson has learnt the ropes well enough to sing with his own voice.
Lukas Nelson's website
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