Just two months after releasing his first live album Live Vol. 1, Billy Strings has graced us with another studio recording, his first since his 2022 Grammy nomination Me/And/Dad. Highway Prayers is a 20-song collection with a wide range of musical ideas.

Leanin' on a Travelin' Song by Strings and Thomm Jutz provides a mesmerizing start to the album. Performed in a traditional hardcore bluegrass style, this song tells of the arduous and arduous journey one must undertake to reach one's destination. In addition to support from the Strings band consisting of Billy Failing on banjo and vocals, Royal Masat on bass and vocals, Jarrod Walker on mandolin and vocals and Alex Hargreaves on violin, this track also features outstanding vocal work from Lindsay Lou and strong violin playing by Jason Carter, who plays harmony music alongside Hargreaves.

Escanaba is the first of three instrumentals on this recording. This piece, along with Seney Stretch, offers an even greater insight into Strings' abilities as a lead guitarist, right alongside the instrumentalism of his core band.

Gild the lily by Strings and mandolinist Jarrod Walker, falls more into the folk world with its symbolic lyrics about nature combined with the gentle vocal harmonies of Strings and his bandmates.

Seven weeks in the county by Strings and Aaron Allen is one of the few examples of Billy's ability to effectively tell a story through song. In this case, we hear about a man who is preparing to spend time in prison for the wrongs he has committed. As we learn in the lyrics, this prison sentence serves as a sort of refuge for the narrator, as he explains, “My only enemy is out to get me, to make me pay for what I've done.”

Another example of Strings' ability to tell stories is the solo piece, catch and release, also written by Strings and Allen with Jon Weisberger. This song tells a humorous story about encountering a few obstacles on a fishing trip, including a run-in with local law enforcement.

In terms of lyricism and instrumental arrangement, it's a bit more sophisticated Stratosphere Blues/I Believe In Youbut still fits perfectly into Billy Strings' repertoire. It features excellent guest cello work from Nathaniel Smith and matching percussion from producer Jon Brion.

Hut song is by far the most traditional bluegrass song on the project. This is another performance that proves Billy hasn't forgotten where he came from. With this excellent original piece he has lived up to his roots.

Another traditionally oriented title is It's not before by Strings and Thomm Jutz, which is instead rooted in the music of old times. This is most evident in Victor Furtado's clawhammer banjo and Peter “Madcat” Ruth's harmonica and jew's harp.

Leadfoot is a track full of intensity. Featuring Strings playing banjo, acoustic and electric guitar, steel guitar and bass, as well as Matt Chamberlain on drums, this song tells an insane story about a man who petrifies his community with his wild street racing.

Highway Prayers is notable for Billy Strings. It is an ambitious undertaking that shows us the full range of his artistic creativity. While it can be a bit tedious to listen to, there are plenty of gems to be found here. With a wide range of lyrical ideas and stylistic choices, Billy Strings continues to demonstrate his broad, diverse appeal.