Loretta Lynn - Who Says God Is Dead! (1968/2021)

Considering the amount of conviction Loretta Lynn sings with here, no one has probably ever debated the singer about this album title. And buckets full of retro-kitsch aside, this late-'60s follow-up to Lynn's gospel debut, Hymns, nicely packs it in with dreams of the apocalypse, testaments of the heaven-bound, and several classic gospel songs. In addition to romping through "Harp With Golden Strings" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," Lynn really sinks her sanctified teeth into waltz-time ballads like "In the Garden" and "Ten Thousand Angels." Adding to these venerable selections, Lynn contributes a few of her own testimonies on the judgment-day narrative "Standing Room Only" and the title track. And for that ethereal touch, the Jordanaires bless the proceedings with their airily dulcet harmonies. Whether laughing or crying, partying or praying, this album should fit the bill if you need a break from Nashville's slew of cheatin' songs and other tragic tales of co-dependency.