Released 55 years after his debut album, God’s Problem Child shows Willie Nelson still performing in much the same style, just with more polish and experience shaping his song-writing.  Some weariness is evident, but (as in “Delete and Fast Forward”) it’s usually accompanied with music in a challenging spirit, unwilling to fully indulge in the despair without finding some silver lining or turn of phrase to up-end it, the main exception being “It Gets Easier”.  Nelson’s own compositions (all co-written with producer Buddy Cannon) are mixed in with those of other song-writers, including the title track, which features Leon Russell in one of his last recordings before his death in 2016.

Almost two dozen musicians besides Nelson lend their talents to the album, with younger performers including Alison Krauss on backing vocals and Ben Haggard (son of Merle) on electric guitar, alongside older guard like Tony Joe White and Kevin Grantt.  The numerous arrangements of the line-up are brought together with impressive smoothness, thanks in no small part to Nelson’s charismatic presence, and the wandering tones and moods come off as a natural exploration of his musings.  Quite a solid batch of songs, and a testament to Nelson’s continuing accomplishments.