Many couldn’t believe this was a debut album—Chris Whitley managed to create a classic blues/country record. He had a natural talent for writing great songs and wasn’t afraid to experiment with country music. Right after its release in 1991, he stood out with a voice that sounded effortlessly polished yet tinged with a hint of desperate longing. This marked the beginning of a fulfilling career—remarkably brilliant and, therefore, unforgettable. The title track, “Living with the Law,” simply gets under your skin. Texas blues returns to its New Orleans roots here, and this album is nothing short of enchanting.