When people think of bluegrass/alternative/pop genre music, the first names that come up are ones such as the unique Mumford and Sons, Twenty-One Pilots, or even that of newer urban band alt-J. Their mixes of acoustic instruments and electronic sounds provides for a massive following from all kinds of music lovers.

A singer/songwriter from the heart of Baltimore provides just as much mass appeal as these mainstream bands; he goes by the name of Father John Misty.

His second studio-album release, I Love You, Honeybear, caught the ears of the editors at Tidal, a music streaming service, and even that of Jimmy Kimmel. The record’s stellar rating of an 87/100 from Metacritic, a website that compiles the reviews of numerous major news publications and averages the scores, displays the rave of Misty’s new sound across the music universe.

Misty’s writing is rare in today’s standards, in the sense that he touches on everything and anything controversial in society: from religion and gender roles, to his political stance on major-current and past events, and why modern love is beyond confusing.

When listening to I Love You, Honeybear, you feel like you’ve been teleported to a bluegrass-church service (hint: the name Father John Misty), for Misty’s music doesn’t just have a catchy chorus line and a fun rhythm like most mainstream hits today; rather they preach to the audience and enrapture them in Misty’s self-made acoustics and smooth vocals.

One of the things Misty does so well in I Love You, Honeybear, is his ability to create so many assorted melodies; the track “True Affection” may remind one to that of a more solemn and romantic pop artist, like that of Gotye and his number 1 single “Somebody I Used to Know.”

Additionally, “Bored in the USA” is so mellow and relaxed that the title suits itself. However, the track’s clever play on words about America’s materialistic society and our obsession with “meaningful objects” and how much they “represent” us ties in with Misty’s underlying irony in that Americans are so bored that we have to label ourselves with the useful gadgets we possess.

Furthermore, Father John Misty lays out all of his blunt views on life itself with the song “Holy Sh*t.” Its daring title is enough to peak interest, but its lyrics and powerful harmonies really steal the show. “Oh, and love is just an institution based on human frailty-What’s your paradise gotta do with Adam and Eve,” Misty vocalizes.

These strong calls for happiness without dwelling on the past, like whether or not someone’s love is morally just, simply based on Misty’s parents view of “Adam and Eve” and other forms of judgment exemplifies his overall message: if you and your partner are happy, what does it really matter what anyone or anything thinks.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for an album with neutral views, consistent sounds, and fun-loving chorus-lines, DON’T purchase I Love You, Honeybear. Its quality reaches the levels with that of modern-bluegrass hits, like Mumford and Sons record Sigh No More. Even if you (think) you hate the bluegrass/alternative genre, I Love You, Honeybear is definitely worth the listen, for it’ll emotionally strike you with humor, sadness, and even love.