The List of Sturgill Simpson Albums in Order of Release Date

Sturgill Simpson Albums in Order: Sturgill Simpson has carved out one of the most fascinating careers in modern country music, blending tradition with fearless experimentation. Born John Sturgill Simpson on June 8, 1978, he emerged as an independent artist and quickly earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of genre.
For fans and newcomers alike, exploring Sturgill Simpson Albums in Order offers a vivid journey through his evolution as a songwriter and performer. His debut, High Top Mountain (2013), introduced his outlaw country roots, while the follow-up, Metamodern Sounds in Country Music (2014), expanded his sound with philosophical lyricism and psychedelic influences, earning Grammy recognition. Simpson broke into the mainstream with A Sailor’s Guide to Earth (2016), a deeply personal concept album that won Best Country Album at the Grammys. Never one to repeat himself, he shifted gears with the rock-driven Sound & Fury (2019), later returning to his roots with two bluegrass reinterpretation projects, Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (2020). He continued his storytelling craft in The Ballad of Dood & Juanita (2021) before reinventing himself under the alter ego Johnny Blue Skies for Passage du Desir (2024).
Together, Sturgill Simpson Albums in Order reflect a fearless artist constantly redefining country music on his own terms. So, if you are a die heart fan of Sturgill Simpson Albums then check out here we have list of Sturgill Simpson albums in order of release so far.
All Sturgill Simpson Albums Available on: Apple Music
Also See: Chris Stapleton Albums in Order
How many albums does Sturgill Simpson have?
Sturgill Simpson has released eight studio albums, six singles, and ten music videos.
The List of Sturgill Simpson Albums in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of Sturgill Simpson Album in Order of Release Date:
- High Top Mountain — June 11, 2013
- Metamodern Sounds in Country Music — May 13, 2014
- A Sailor’s Guide to Earth — April 15, 2016
- Sound & Fury — September 27, 2019
- Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 1: The Butcher Shoppe Sessions — October 16, 2020
- Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 2: The Cowboy Arms Sessions — December 11, 2020
- The Ballad of Dood & Juanita — August 20, 2021
- Passage du Desir — July 12, 2024
All Sturgill Simpson Albums List in Order
1. High Top Mountain (2013)

Tracks:
- Life Ain’t Fair and the World Is Mean
- Railroad of Sin
- Water in a Well
- Sitting Here Without You
- The Storm
- You Can Have the Crown
- Time After All
- Hero
- Some Days
- Old King Coal
- Poor Rambler
- I’d Have to Be Crazy
Sturgill Simpson’s debut album, High Top Mountain, released on June 11, 2013, marked the arrival of a bold new voice in country music. Produced by Dave Cobb and self-funded by Simpson, the record reflects deep ties to his Kentucky roots, even taking its name from a family cemetery near Jackson. Critics praised its authentic outlaw-country sound, often drawing comparisons to Waylon Jennings. With heartfelt ballads, honky-tonk rhythms, and raw storytelling, the 12-track album showcases Simpson’s ability to honor tradition while forging his own path. Though initially overlooked, it later climbed the charts, cementing his reputation as a true country craftsman.
2. Metamodern Sounds in Country Music (2014)

Tracks:
- Turtles All the Way Down
- Life of Sin
- Living the Dream
- Voices
- Long White Line
- The Promise
- A Little Light
- Just Let Go
- It Ain’t All Flowers
- Panbowl
Metamodern Sounds in Country Music is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson, released on May 13, 2014. Produced by Dave Cobb, the album blends classic country with psychedelic and philosophical themes, reflecting the aesthetic of metamodernism. Its title pays tribute to Ray Charles’ Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. The record features standout tracks like “Turtles All the Way Down” and a heartfelt cover of When in Rome’s “The Promise.” Critically acclaimed, it earned an 81/100 on Metacritic and widespread praise for its innovation. Commercially, it peaked at No. 59 on the Billboard 200 and later achieved Gold certification.
3. A Sailor’s Guide to Earth (2016)

Tracks:
- Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)
- Breakers Roar
- Keep It Between the Lines
- Sea Stories
- In Bloom
- Brace for Impact (Live a Little)
- All Around You
- Oh Sarah
- Call to Arms
A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, released on April 15, 2016, is Sturgill Simpson’s third studio album and one of his most acclaimed works. Written as a heartfelt letter to his newborn son, the record blends country, soul, and rock influences into a deeply personal concept album. Featuring standout tracks like “Brace for Impact (Live a Little)” and a moving cover of Nirvana’s “In Bloom,” it showcases Simpson’s genre-bending artistry. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album, also earning a nomination for Album of the Year, solidifying Simpson’s place as a boundary-pushing musician.
4. Sound & Fury (2019)

Tracks:
- Ronin
- Remember to Breathe
- Sing Along
- A Good Look
- Make Art Not Friends
- Best Clockmaker on Mars
- All Said and Done
- Last Man Standing
- Mercury in Retrograde
- Fastest Horse in Town
SOUND & FURY is Sturgill Simpson’s bold fourth studio album, released on September 27, 2019, through Elektra Records. Marking a sharp departure from his country beginnings, the project blends hard rock, psychedelic, funk, and blues, showcasing Simpson’s fearless experimentation. Uniquely, it was released alongside a Netflix dystopian anime film, created in collaboration with Japanese director Junpei Mizusaki. Recorded in just two weeks, the album channels influences from hip-hop, Black Sabbath, and classic funk. Critically acclaimed, it earned Simpson a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album, making him the first artist nominated in both rock and country categories.
5. Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 1: The Butcher Shoppe Sessions (2020)

Tracks:
- All Around You
- All the Pretty Colors
- Breakers Roar
- I Don’t Mind
- I Wonder
- Just Let Go
- Life Ain’t Fair and the World Is Mean
- A Little Light
- Life of Sin
- Long White Line
- Living the Dream
- Old King Coal
- Railroad of Sin
- Sitting Here Without You
- Sometimes Wine
- The Storm
- Time After All
- Turtles All the Way Down
- Voices
- Water in a Well
Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 1: The Butcher Shoppe Sessions is the fifth studio album by Sturgill Simpson, released on October 16, 2020, through his label High Top Mountain. Recorded at the legendary Butcher Shoppe studio, the project features bluegrass renditions of songs from across Simpson’s career, including his work with Sunday Valley. Backed by acclaimed musicians like Sierra Hull, Stuart Duncan, and Scott Vestal, the album captures a raw, joyful energy. Conceived after Simpson’s recovery from COVID-19, it was also tied to a fundraising concert that raised nearly $250,000 for relief efforts. Critics praised its authenticity and heartfelt musicianship.
6. Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 2: The Cowboy Arms Sessions (2020)

Tracks:
- Call to Arms
- Brace for Impact (Live a Little)
- Oh Sarah
- Sea Stories
- Hero
- Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)
- Jesus Boogie
- Keep It Between the Lines
- You Can Have the Crown
- Tennessee
- Some Days
- Hobo Cartoon
Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 2: The Cowboy Arms Sessions is the sixth studio album by acclaimed country artist Sturgill Simpson, released on December 10, 2020, through his label High Top Mountain. A follow-up to Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 1, this record continues Simpson’s exploration of bluegrass by reimagining songs from his earlier catalog with fresh acoustic arrangements. Featuring talented musicians like Sierra Hull, Stuart Duncan, Scott Vestal, Tim O’Brien, and Mark Howard, the album blends tradition with modern storytelling. Alongside the re-recordings, it introduces two new tracks, “Tennessee” and “Hobo Cartoon,” co-written with Merle Haggard, adding heartfelt depth and authenticity.
7. The Ballad of Dood & Juanita (2021)

Tracks:
- Prologue
- Ol’ Dood
- One in the Saddle, One on the Ground
- Shamrock
- Played Out
- Sam
- Juanita
- Go in Peace
- Epilogue
- Ol’ Dood
The Ballad of Dood and Juanita, released on August 20, 2021, is Sturgill Simpson’s seventh studio album and a bold dive into traditional country, bluegrass, and mountain music. Written and recorded in just one week with his band, the Hillbilly Avengers, the album unfolds as a concept story set during the American Civil War in eastern Kentucky. It follows sharpshooter Dood on his quest to rescue his beloved Juanita from outlaw Seamus McClure, with help from his loyal mule and dog. Featuring Willie Nelson on “Juanita,” the record received favorable reviews, topping the Folk Albums chart and marking Simpson’s final release under his own name.
8. Passage du Desir (2024)

Tracks:
- Swamp of Sadness
- If the Sun Never Rises Again
- Scooter Blues
- Jupiter’s Faerie
- Who I Am
- Right Kind of Dream
- Mint Tea
- One for the Road
Passage du Désir marks a bold new chapter in Sturgill Simpson’s career, released under his alter ego Johnny Blue Skies on July 12, 2024. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and Clement House in Nashville, the album captures a fusion of outlaw country, soul, blues, and psychedelic flourishes across eight tracks. Simpson chose the Johnny Blue Skies persona to honor his vow of releasing only five original albums under his real name. The record’s evocative Paris-inspired artwork complements its themes of desire, reflection, and reinvention. Widely acclaimed by critics, Passage du Désir has been praised as one of Simpson’s most personal and adventurous works to date.
Conclusion:
Sturgill Simpson’s musical journey is a testament to fearless creativity, blending tradition with bold experimentation across country, rock, and bluegrass. Exploring Sturgill Simpson Albums in Order reveals not only his evolution as a songwriter but also his refusal to be confined by genre labels. From the raw outlaw spirit of High Top Mountain to the Grammy-winning A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, the psychedelic grit of Sound & Fury, and the bluegrass reinventions of Cuttin’ Grass, Simpson consistently redefines his artistry. His latest chapter as Johnny Blue Skies with Passage du Desir proves his legacy is one of reinvention, authenticity, and timeless influence.
Thanks for visit!