It’s turning out to be “that year” for William Beckmann. Grand Ol’ Opry debut? Check. The release of an incredibly impressive EP? Check. Now all he needs is to read this review and believe every word in it. If you’re reading, Mr. Beckmann, take this posting to heart and use it to fortify the confidence that got you this far. You’ve got “it,” and by “it” I mean that you-know-it-when-you-hear-it quality that country music thrives on and that it desperately needs these days.

If you really love—and I mean truly, truly love—country music, you ought to join my obsession with the trustworthy voice of William Beckmann. His new seven-track EP, Here’s To You. Here’s To Me., is a reminder that, for die-hard fans of authentic country music, there is a future. Like so many country legends from previous generations, William Beckmann delivers more than simply excellent vocals. He makes every word, every note, every pause, count. When he sings a song, an entire setting comes with it. He breathes atmosphere, and he is wise enough to understand that this is enough. No hard sale here, just a performance worth every penny.