Why Are You OK

A decade in, and Ben Bridwell’s voice still rings true. Why Are You OK sees the South Carolina singer/songwriter enjoying guidance from both Grandaddy’s Jason Lytle and guru Rick Rubin. The result is his rock outfit’s most confident LP to date, an effort that pairs their rootsy anthemics (and Bridwell’s haloed tenor) with lush sonics and a newfound lyrical focus: family. “Dull Times / The Moon” is a two-part, seven-minute opener whose rivulets of dreamy guitar eventually give way to a flood of Neil Young-ian distortion. “In a Drawer” features a stunning cameo from J Mascis and “Casual Party” a melody shot through with glimmers of “The Great Salt Lake.”