If you’re looking for some music to soothe the soul, look no further than Taking the Long Way Home, the gentle, rollicking new album from Guelph singer-songwriter Richard Laviolette.

Listening to this album is like looking at a collection of time-worn photos from Laviolette’s life, from treasured memories of his childhood home (“Grey Rain”) to tributes to the strong women in his family ("My Grandma's More Punk (Than Most Punks I Know)") to contemplating his own mortality ("Someone to Tell My Story When I'm Gone"). On Taking the Long Way Home, Laviolette presents us with songs that are heart-warming and comforting, but also accompanied by lyrics that are full of raw honesty and wisdom.

It’s classic country music full of nostalgia about growing up and ruminations on growing old. Listen to our preview stream right here for a week ahead of its release date. It will be available on March 10 via You’ve Changed Records. Pre-order it here.

Richard Laviolette will be on tour in Ontario and Quebec starting later this month. See tour dates here.