This collection from Tenille Townes began as a writing exercise. The Canadian singer-songwriter initially challenged herself to work through a difficult period in her life through song, and the resulting tracks became this follow-up to 2022’s critically acclaimed Masquerades. Keeping with that personal bent, Townes recorded, produced, and mixed the album herself—and played every instrument, too, for good measure. Accordingly, the acrobat is Townes’ most intimate project yet, offering a full—if stripped-down—sense of what she can do. Highlights include opener “ordinary love song,” a raw ballad and Daniel Tashian co-write with echoes of Stevie Nicks, and the openhearted “we could use a little more,” an urgent call for love and compassion in divided times. Townes did bring a couple guests aboard, too, with beloved songwriter Lori McKenna joining on the title track and celebrated roots trio I’m With Her on “grey like Emmylou.”