The Alabama-bred band leans into soul and rootsy gospel on their third album. The Red Clay Strays get spiritual on Grateful, the third full-length studio album from the Mobile, Alabama-bred band. Once again teaming up with producer Dave Cobb (Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile), who helmed predecessor Made by These Moments, the sextet leans into soul and rootsy gospel across Grateful’s 11 tracks, making use of the broad umbrella of the Americana genre to craft the decidedly Southern sound for which they’ve found great commercial and critical success. Opening track “Demons in Your Choir” uses biblical imagery to warn a wayward friend who’s been “singing with the liars” of coming trouble, with bright organ and gospel choir vocals taking the tune all the way to church. Brandon Coleman commands that narrative like a preacher in the pulpit with his agile phrasing and seemingly limitless range, while tracks like “Walking Away” give him the chance to play with his softer side. Mid-album highlight “People Hatin’” serves as a thesis for the record, confronting the deep division in modern culture and politics with a heartfelt wish for love and acceptance.