Artist: The Civil Wars

Title: Barton Hollow

Label: Sensibility Music

Former CCM artist Joy Williams' reveals another side of her creativity alongside songwriter John Paul White on Barton Hollow.

If the recent Grammy Awards were a representation of where modern music is headed, the future is looking particularly bright for artists who don't fall prey to pop music's gimmicky shenanigans. 

Sure, while some oohed and aahed when Lady Gaga arrived in an egg for "Born This Way," a song that sounds suspiciously similar to Madonna's iconic "Express Yourself," it was just a bunch of guys with everyday instruments and extraordinary charisma who ultimately stole the show. And considering that Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers eventually shared the stage with a legend like Bob Dylan for a soulful rendition of "Maggie's Farm," well, that's pretty remarkable. 

Now, with the same unpretentious spirit as these aforementioned acts, a folk duo known as The Civil Wars is also connecting with listeners in a big way. Thanks to a strong online buzz for their music and live shows, not to mention the rather fortuitous placement of their song "Poison and Wine" on "Grey's Anatomy," the group recently hit #1 on iTunes, a rare feat for a new act, let alone one lacking much of a Top-40 radio presence or a major record label's support. 

But discerning ears always know great art when they hear it, and Barton Hollow is ultimately that rare combination of substance and style, whether you naturally gravitate toward the lyrics or fall prey to the charms of killer harmonies, which singer Joy Williams and songwriter John Paul White happen to serve up with aplomb on every track. 

Taking a more laidback approach to their craftsmanship, listening to The Civil Wars is a decidedly calm and soothing experience. Before you mistake their work for, say, Enya, however, there's an unmistakably compelling tension when they sing about love and loss. 

And that absence of happy-ever-after sentimentality is what makes The Civil Wars a perfect fit for anyone who enjoys music with a big dose of authenticity. Without all those bells and whistles clamoring for your attention, the beauty of simplicity has an opportunity to shine through—and that's precisely what makes The Civil Wars' music such an enjoyable and promising change of pace.

*This Article First Published 2/18/2011