California-based songwriter R.O. Shapiro has returned with a new EP called Worthy, which was produced by all-time cool dude Phil Cook. The title track from the four-song collection features Shapiro in conversation with an unnamed despondent and self-loathing character (a younger version of himself, it turns out), whose perceived shortcomings emphasize the rather touching thrust of the soulful folk jam: “You are worthy of forgiveness,” Shapiro sings. I’d add: We all are (well, most of us). Come for Shapiro’s voice, which sounds like a glass of scotch, stay for the cowboy camp fiddle melodies.
Regarding the track, Shapiro said: “‘Worthy’ is a self-love song, a letter from the songwriter to his younger self, and a reminder that no one should be defined by their worst mistakes. The track was recorded in Durham, North Carolina, with producer and multi-instrumentalist Phil Cook (Hiss Golden Messenger, Bon Iver), and features Riley Calcagno (Viv & Riley) on fiddle.”
Check out the stirring and simmering “Worthy” below, and pre-order the EP of the same name ahead of its February 7 release here.
