Songlines (The Derek Trucks Band album)

Songlines is the fourth studio album by The Derek Trucks Band, released in 2006. It represents a significant development in the band's sound, incorporating more world music influences and complex arrangements than their previous efforts. The album's title, "Songlines," refers to the ancestral paths or routes across the Australian Outback, embodied in song, dance, and story. This concept reflects the album's exploration of interconnectedness and spiritual journeys through music.

The album features a mix of instrumental tracks and vocal performances, with Kofi Burbridge contributing significantly on keyboards and vocals. Several songs feature guest musicians, broadening the sonic palette of the record. The musical styles present include blues, rock, jazz, Indian classical music, and African rhythms, creating a diverse and globally-inspired sound.

Critical reception to Songlines was generally positive, with reviewers noting the increased complexity and maturity of the band's musicianship, as well as the successful integration of diverse musical traditions. It is considered a pivotal album in The Derek Trucks Band's discography, marking a transition towards the more expansive and exploratory sound that would characterize their later work. Key tracks on the album include "Sahib Teri Bandi," "Rasta Sena," and "Songlines."