Sunny Sweeney’s Rhinestone Requiem is a finely wrought, emotionally grounded return to honky-tonk and classic country roots. Drawing on co-production with longtime collaborator Harley Husbands, the album’s ten tracks balance grit and grace: bold storytelling (“Diamonds and Divorce Decrees”), wistful reflection (“Houston Belongs To Me”), spirited anthems (“As Long as There’s a Honky Tonk”) and a closing waltz (“Half Lit in ¾ Time”).
Sweeney’s voice is unvarnished and honest, and her songwriting leans into lived highs and lows without resorting to clichés. Though the production occasionally borders on polished, it never overshadows the core: real stories, real heart, real country.
4 of 5 stars