Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall – The Marfa Tapes (2xLP)

The Marfa Tapes, released in 2021, is a collaborative album from Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall that strips country songwriting down to its rawest form. Recorded around a campfire in the small desert town of Marfa, Texas, the album embraces imperfections—guitar strums, wind, laughter, and unpolished vocals—to create an intimate, authentic listening experience. Songs like In His Arms, Tin Man, and Am I Right or Amarillo highlight the trio’s chemistry, balancing tenderness, humor, and heartbreak with the ease of friends sharing songs under the stars.

What makes The Marfa Tapes unique is its intentional lack of studio polish. By capturing the immediacy of live performance, the record shines a light on the strength of the songwriting and the emotional connection between the three artists. It’s a vulnerable, down-to-earth project that stands apart from mainstream Nashville production, offering listeners a glimpse into the heart of country music in its most organic form.

Reviews:

“The Marfa Tapes is a raw, beautiful reminder that country music is first and foremost about storytelling.” – Rolling Stone

“This record feels like eavesdropping on something genuine, a rare glimpse of country stripped bare.” – The Guardian

“By embracing imperfection, The Marfa Tapes finds its power—each crackle of fire and missed note adds to the intimacy.” – Pitchfork

“A stunning showcase of three songwriters at their most vulnerable and authentic.” – AllMusic