Country and folk storytellers have never had any problem portraying the rush of instant love or the devastation of heartbreak. Writing about the rich complexity of long-lasting love has generally proved much more difficult. Nashville singer-songwriter Caroline Spence does just that on Mint Condition, the title ballad to her upcoming album.
Some things they last, and some things, they wont, she sings, before harmonizing with Emmylou Harris on the chorus: Oh, but nothing bout you ever gets old.
Spence is interested in exploring the ways in which love hardens and deepens with time, setting up devoted partnership as a counterbalance to the inevitable process of aging, where that feeling of comfort overtakes desire. Spence tells her story in part through the songs languid tempo, which mirrors the power and comfort that the songs central relationship has found in the slowed-down pace of its later years.
Spences latest is in conversation withclassics like Neil Youngs Harvest Moon, Lori McKennas Good Marriage or John Prines Glory of True Love rare, precious songs that explore blissful contentment and stability, rather than romanticizing lost love and regret.