The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Critical Mass column examines the songwriting of James McMurtry, focusing on how the singer-songwriter builds vivid characters within his lyrics.
The essay treats McMurtry’s narrative approach as a craft worth studying, drawing parallels between songwriting and storytelling in fiction. It considers how voice, detail and point of view function in his music rather than offering a conventional album review.
As an arts opinion column, the piece reflects the writer’s critical reading of McMurtry’s catalog. It continues the newspaper’s regular cultural commentary on music and writing.
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Sources:
https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/jun/27/critical-mass-opinion-james-mcmurtry-voice/