Mitchell Tenpenny The 3rd 2LP

"Is the third time always a charm?" Mitchell Tenpenny vulnerably wonders on his song "The 3rd," the title track and cornerstone of his third studio album. The husky-voiced, tenderhearted chart-topper is the third James Mitchell Tenpenny in his family and feels the weight of the responsibility that comes with that history. Is he living up to his potential? Is he making his family proud? What happens to the name if he doesn't have a son? The song is a relatable gut punch for anyone concerned with meeting familial expectations — its unflinching sincerity the unbreakable tie that binds the album.

Mitchell's vision for the The 3rd is a testament to his personal growth and artistic evolution. No longer playing games, he has crafted an album that resonates with his own experiences and emotions. This honest and empathetic collection not only showcases his maturity as a man, singer, songwriter, and storyteller but also invites listeners to join him on his creative journey through life and music.

An eclectic mix of songs, styles and genres that are each meaningful and representative of the singer, The 3rd is designed to offer something for everyone. Mitchell worked with the preciseness of an artistic surgeon while choosing songs and sequencing, even opting to cover The Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris," the first song he learned to play on guitar. Mitchell's distinct voice glides through uptempo tracks laced with synth, anchored with loops and driven by banjo then turns convicted and passionate, soaring with hard-driving guitar solos and wailing through heartbreaking choruses.

The 3rd is both his story — and a made-up narrative. Stitching each genre, style, and story so seamlessly together is a musical triumph for himself and his fans, showcasing the courage and unparalleled artistry of James Mitchell Tenpenny.