On Tennessee-raised singer/songwriter Valerie June’s successful 2017 album “The Order of Time,” she gained notable praise from the likes of Bob Dylan and The New York Times. Now, four-years later, June continues to be a beacon of hope for the depths country music can reach with her release “The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers.” From her voice to the album’s music, Valerie June both embodies on this release what country is all about, love, loss and achy breaky heartache, and yet completely defies mainstream country. Even the cover of “The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers” is a sleek grey-tone with June throwing a defiant look over her shoulder, decked out in a bold silver dress- a far cry from the sepia-toned cowboy studded cover you might expect. For those jaded to the offerings of popular country music, give this a shot.

By Emma Chekroun