Jerusalem

Released in the wake of the September 11 attacks, Jerusalem stands as one of the most overtly political and controversial entries in Steve Earle's extensive catalog. While his previous work often touched on social justice, this album focused entirely on the 'malaise' of early 21st-century America. The centerpiece, 'John Walker's Blues,' sparked a national firestorm for its empathetic portrayal of John Walker Lindh, though critics later noted its similarities to the narrative tradition of folk murder ballads. Sonically, the album bridges the gap between the bluegrass-inflected 'Mountain Victory' and the more polished 'The Revolution Starts Now.' It features a lean, rock-influenced Americana sound with prominent harmonica and Earle's signature gravelly vocal delivery. The album concludes with the title track, a prayer for peace in the Middle East, which has since become a staple of his live performances. Critics, particularly at AllMusic, praised Earle's bravery in challenging the prevailing jingoism of the era, even when the musical execution felt occasionally hurried.