Before I’d even heard Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers’ new Pilgrimage CD, I’d seen the video for its single, “Johnny Cash Is Dead (And His House Burned Down)”. And anyone with the audacity to record a song with a title like that, had to have something good up his sleeve.

And for the most part, Pilgrimage is quite good. The multiple instances of Larry Gatlin narrative running through it, which is informative upon first listen, could have been left out, and “Americans, That’s Who”-- while done with the best intentions -- is a little too Toby Keith-y. But the songs, both new and old, are mostly topnotch. Gatlin might sound like an old workhorse when he’s doing his talking during this disc, but he still sounds like a young stud while singing.

The release opens with two older songs, including “Penny Annie”, which tells the sad story of a natural born dancer who goes from the life of a dancer, to that of a prostitute. Later, Gatlin uses the world’s oldest profession in song again for “He Bought Her Back”. Only this time, his story involves a preacher (who loves a prostitute, and the lady of the night, whom his love redeems. The preacher is forced to brave the gossip of his congregation, including that of his very own deacons, who simply cannot understand why their pastor would waste his time on such a used up example of human life. But Gatlin also tells the beautiful gospel story through this earthy tale. After all, the angels must have wondered what the Father was up to when He sent Jesus to die for lowly man. Gatlin also sings one straight-up gospel song here, by the way, called “Fill Me”.

Along the way, Gatlin, with the vocal and instrumental help of his two brothers, tells bits and pieces of his own life story. His growing up years are alluded to in “Come Back to Texas”, while his father’s work in the oil business is touched upon with “Black Gold”. His own love/hate relationship with Music City comes into play on “Say, Nashville -- Whadda Ya Say?”

For those that may only remember Gatlin for his days as a ‘70s pop-country star, this roots-y release may be a little unexpected. But Gatlin was clearly touched by Johnny Cash’s life work, and just as Cash experienced a huge artistic revival in later life, the singer/songwriter appears to be seeking a similar fruitful final stretch for his own career.

When Gatlin sings “Johnny Cash Is Dead (And His House Burned Down)”, he’s not only mourning the loss of an iconic friend, but he’s also hurting from the gradual demolition of country music itself. He complains about modern country music, and how much of it severely lacks fiddle and steel guitar. Ironically, Gatlin helped dismantle country’s roots during his own ‘70s heyday. Is he feeling guilty for his own sins? Perhaps. But a (mostly) excellent album like Pilgrimage covers a multitude of sins. It’s easy to get caught up in one’s own success, especially when all eyes are on you, and ignore the affect your actions are having on others. Who knows, maybe Gatlin might exchange all the gold in California for a few more albums like Pilgrimage under his belt.

You can support Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers by purchasing this album at Amazon | iTunes.