The Prodigal Son

Released in 2018, The Prodigal Son represents a late-career peak for Ry Cooder, marking his first solo album in six years. While Cooder has spent decades exploring global sounds, this record sees him returning to the bedrock of American roots music: gospel, blues, and early country. The album is a collaboration with his son, Joachim Cooder, who co-produced and provided the distinctive, often atmospheric percussion. Sonically, the record is defined by its 'dry' production style, eschewing modern digital sheen for a sound that emphasizes the physical vibration of strings and skin. Critically, it was hailed as a masterful synthesis of Cooder's political edge and his spiritual curiosity, particularly on tracks like 'Gentrification' and 'Jesus and Woody'. It stands as a definitive statement on the enduring power of the American songbook when handled by a master of the slide guitar.