Oliver Anthony, the Appalachian troubadour who skyrocketed to viral fame in 2023 with his unexpected hit “Rich Men North of Richmond,” has made a significant announcement: his debut album, “Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind,” is set to release on Easter Sunday.
Produced by the renowned Dave Cobb, celebrated for his work with artists like Chris Stapleton and Brandi Carlile, the album offers a collection of songs that showcase Anthony’s introspective lyricism and raw musicality. Interestingly, the album does not feature “Rich Men North of Richmond,” the song that catapulted Anthony to fame. However, it includes many of his other previously released tracks, re-recorded in the studio under Cobb’s guidance.
Among the ten tracks on the album, nine are familiar to Anthony’s fans, having been previously released in various formats. These songs, which were initially recorded in a raw, field-recording style, have now been polished with a fresh audio sheen, maintaining their original essence while benefiting from studio refinement. Additionally, the album introduces a previously unheard song titled “Momma’s Been Hurting.”
In a departure from traditional album formats, “Hymnal” features Anthony reciting biblical verses between songs, reflecting his personal faith journey. Despite not attending church regularly, Anthony has expressed his spiritual beliefs in interviews, including a notable conversation with Joe Rogan.
Remarkably, Anthony has chosen to release the album independently, despite major labels aggressively pursuing him after the success of “Rich Men North of Richmond.” In a statement, Anthony, who performs under his late relative’s name, emphasizes the album’s significance as a reflection of his life’s journey from 2013 to 2023.
“‘Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind’ is the story of my life,” Anthony/Lunsford stated. “It represents the most pure and transparent view inside my heart and soul that I could offer. While ‘Richmond’ introduced me to the public, this release represents the true foundation of the music that got me through life up until now.”
The album’s release coincides with a benefit concert at the Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, Virginia, where Anthony will perform live and stream the event for free on various social platforms. The concert aims to support Beacon Hill Church’s food outreach program, reflecting Anthony’s commitment to using his platform for positive impact.
As Anthony prepares to unveil “Hymnal of a Troubled Man’s Mind” on Easter Sunday, fans can anticipate a deeply personal and introspective musical journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional folk music.