Central on the album is Rumer's buoyant version of "Hard Time for Lovers," originally recorded by Judy Collins as the title track to her 1979 album. The Collins connection works as a thoughtful touchstone throughout Nashville Tears as Rumer's soft, warm vocals nicely evoke Collins' own pure, unadorned approach. It's a style that fits well with Prestwood's songs, many of which, including "Oklahoma Stray," "June It's Gonna Happen," and "That's That" (a hit for Michael Johnson in 1988), showcase his gift for using nature as a metaphor, illuminating how the landscapes that surround us often echo our most intense desires.
Less jazz oriented than their prior duo release, Sweden's Lena Willemark and Ale Möller teamed up with fellow multi-instrumentalist Per Gudmundsson for their debut as Frifot. Their dazzling instrumental work positioned them as leaders of the Swedish folk revival.