Sean McConnell has seen his songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Christina Aguilera, Martina McBride, the Eli Young Band and the cast of TV's Nashville, among many others. He's also put out a handful of well-received albums of his own. But his new set on Rounder is his most accomplished yet, and reflects both finely honed songcraft and emotional depth. Among the standouts: the wistful "Holy Days," the Mellencampian "Ghost Town," future Valentine's Day standard "Best We've Ever Been" and the exquisite "Queen of Saint Mary's Choir."

His voice sounds gorgeous, and the production—by the Nashville team of Ian Fitchuk and Jason Lehning—is crystalline. Is McConnell ready to become a star himself? Judging by this stellar set, we'd say yes.