This is another one of those albums I feel like I have to think about because I am Canadian. If you are out of the loop; Chris Hadfield is probably best known as an astronaut and former commander of the International Space Station. A point of Canadian pride. He is also a great writer and musician. [I can highly recommend his book The Apollo Murders] He made history recording the first songs in space. With his video of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" being performed on the ISS being one of the better known parts of that. These songs take on a sort of space oriented concept. Being grounded by the visible influneces of folk music. I see Neil Young and Bowie. I also catch glimpses of other Canadian establishments like Stan Rogers and Godon Lightfoot.

I would characterize the tracks on this album as rough but honest. Hadfield's singing isn't perfect. The production isn't anything particularly notable. But I think the writing is good and I enjoy the resulting music plenty. "Beyond The Terra" is the first track to stand out for me. It strikes me as a kind of Bowie-Young fusion piece about space. It feels gritty with a good focus and drive. "Feet Up" has a good groove and a fun refrain. "Jewel in The Night" is notable for being the first song recorded in outer space. It is also a nice little ditty. "Daughter of My Sins" is a gritty song with a little rebellious outlaw streak in it. "Window of My Mind" is a lovely folk song that I imagine being fantastic on road trips. "Space Lullaby" is precisely what it says in a gentle and beautiful way. "Farm Auction" is a good prairie song. It brings to mind some songs by Stan Rogers about the realities of farming and the laboring peoples. "Ride That Lightning" is a fun and fiery song set to a gospel feel. To cap off the album is a cover of Bowie's iconic "Space Oddity." This is actually my favorite recording of the song. Perhaps it is just knowing where it was recorded. Maybe it was that music video. Could be Chris Hadfield singing it in a way that feels authentic to having lived the experience. But, I find it a moving rendition. It is a perfect cover. It firmly grasps the idea of the song and does it in a new way.

In some ways this album is only musically alright. It makes up any lost points with impeccable vibes. Just the understanding that it was recorded in space sets it into a completely different place for me. The conceptual clash of folk and country themes agains the great aspirations of space travel work intriguingly well. It feels grounded in such a strange sense of the word. As if up there in a tin can with the emptiness of space at your back there is this tangible thing we must cling to. I hope this album inspires you as it has me. Instilling a sense of wonder for space and respect for the known quality that is Terra.