His Hands

Released in 2006, His Hands marked a significant 'comeback' and creative rebirth for Candi Staton, orchestrated by Mark Nevers of Lambchop. Recorded at the end of a long hiatus from secular music, the album deliberately reconnects Staton with the southern soul and country-soul fusion of her early career. The project was largely inspired by the success of her 2004 Honest Jon’s compilation, leading to a collaboration that emphasized her interpretive skills over contemporary trends. The tracklist features a mix of originals and thoughtfully chosen covers, including songs by Will Oldham and Merle Haggard, further blurring the lines between R&B and Americana. Critics praised the album for its restraint and the raw, emotive power of Staton's voice, which had gained a rich, textured patina over the years. It stands as one of the most successful examples of the 'late-career resurgence' subgenre, comparable to the work of Solomon Burke or Bettye LaVette during the same era.