José González is a curious musician. On 2013’s band project Junip, he toiled in metaphysical questions and engaged in the act of musing. On his newest album, this year’s Vestiges & Claws, due out February 17, he’s back at it. But somehow, despite the heavy material, he leaves us floating, relaxed. Thankfully you can hear for yourself a whole week early since it’s streaming in full over at NPR.

On Vestiges & Claws, González is writing with an inner groove. It seems he’s found some answers last time around but still has enough curiosity to keep pushing forward. Folk rhymes and soft guitar are heavily invested in rounded rhythms on “Let It Carry You” and “Stories We Build, Stories We Tell.” González is soulful from start to finish. The result is an album that reminds us why we fell in love with him many years ago — and why he is still one of the best folk songwriters today.

Give it a listen in full over at NPR.

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Nina Corcoran

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