On Feb 1, The Civil Wars released their first album Barton Hollow. That same day it became the #1 album on both the iTunes and Amazon.

The southern duo composed of Joy Williams and John Paul White began in February of 2009 and quickly hit success. Their first EP was titled “Best of 2010” by iTunes, their single Poison and Winewas featured in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy and their new album rapidly soared up to the top position on the charts.

Let me tell say, every bit of their insanely quick success makes perfect sense to me. They have sheer, raw talent.

Both Williams and White have mind-blowing voices. They utilize their wide vocal ranges, create seemingly ungodly harmonies and allow themselves to experiment with their melodies, yet they still display absolute poise and control in their voices. When they sing together, their voices become one.

Their song-writing abilities are superior as well, as displayed through the wide range of song types on Barton Hollow while using only their voices, an acoustic guitar and occasionally a cello or drum. Their lyrics are thoughtful and passionate, their melodies are catchy and beautiful and their overall sound is so raw that only the most talented musicians would be able to pull it off as flawlessly as they do.

I have not been so impressed with an album in such a long time. Between I’ve Got This Friend and their gorgeous cover of The Jacksons’ I Want You Back, I was completely enthralled. Now that I have listened to the album as a whole over and over again, I would be surprised if it doesn’t win a countless amount of awards.

The Civil Wars are playing at The Old Rock House on April 25. I would strongly suggest anyone who can appreciate impeccable musicianship to attend the show, and to soak up this incredible band’s music from their first (hopefully the first of many to come) album.