If you only have room in your life for one folk singer, make it Joan Shelley. The Louisville, Kentucky-based artist’s music overflows with alluring melodies, gentle arrangements and simple-yet-powerful ruminations on the human condition and how we fit into the big picture. Live, Shelley is faithfully accompanied by world-class acoustic guitar player Nathan Salsburg. Together, they’ve consecutively recorded three near-perfect albums, and this year’s Like the River Loves the Sea might be the best of the bunch. If you’re not yet convinced, know this: Joan Shelley’s music will provide you with a safe place to hide from the real world. All you have to do is let it in.

by Ben Salmon