Purgatory (Tyler Childers album)

Purgatory is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Tyler Childers, released on August 4, 2017, through Hickman Holler Records and RCA Records.

The album represents a significant step in Childers' career, garnering widespread critical acclaim and introducing his music to a larger audience. Purgatory blends elements of country, bluegrass, and folk music, showcasing Childers' distinctive Appalachian sound. The songs explore themes of love, loss, addiction, faith, and the struggles of rural life, often presented with raw honesty and emotional depth.

Produced by Sturgill Simpson and David Ferguson, Purgatory features a cohesive sound largely performed by Childers' core band: Senora May (background vocals), James Barker (pedal steel guitar, electric guitar, banjo), Craig Burletic (bass), and Rod Elkins (drums). The album was recorded live in a single week at The Butcher Shoppe in Nashville, Tennessee, aiming for a natural and authentic feel.

Key tracks include "I Swear (To God)," "Feathered Indians," "Whitehouse Road," and the title track, "Purgatory." These songs helped establish Childers as a leading voice in contemporary country music and are frequently performed at his live shows.

Purgatory reached number 17 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 129 on the Billboard 200. Its critical success led to multiple award nominations and wins, solidifying Childers' position as a rising star in the Americana and country music scenes. The album is considered a seminal work in the alt-country genre and is celebrated for its authentic storytelling and musical craftsmanship.