Chris Stapleton’s album Starting Over arrived as a decisive creative reset, pairing deeply personal songwriting with a return to analog warmth on vinyl. This explainer covers what you’ll find on the record, how the vinyl editions differ, and why the format suits the album’s live, organic production. Whether you’re adding it to your collection or evaluating which version to buy, you’ll find details on pressing quality, track order, and availability that remain useful as a long-term reference.
What Is Starting Over and Why It Matters
Released in 2020, Starting Over is Chris Stapleton’s fourth studio album and his first full-length project following a series of high-profile live and collaborative appearances. Produced by Dave Cobb and Stapleton, the record emphasizes raw vocals, live-band grit, and reflective storytelling. On vinyl, the album’s dynamics and analog textures highlight the band’s roots-rock, country, and soul influences, making it a durable favorite for collectors and listeners who value physical media.
Starting Over Vinyl Editions and Tracklist
Multiple vinyl editions exist, with variations in color, packaging, and included content. Below is a concise reference for the most common commercial configurations at the time of this writing.
Standard One-LP Configuration
The standard edition presents the core tracklist across a single LP, optimized for automatic sequencing and casual listening.
Deluxe Two-LP Configuration
The deluxe version spreads the material across two LPs, often with distinct artwork and expanded packaging details that collectors favor.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Artist | Chris Stapleton | Label/Retail listings |
| Album Title | Starting Over | Label/Retail listings |
| Release Year | 2020 | Label announcements |
| Standard Edition Format | 1xLP | Retail specifications |
| Deluxe Edition Format | 2xLP | Retail specifications |
| Label | Mercury Nashville | Label credits |
| Producer(s) | Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton | Album credits |
- Standard One-LP Tracklist
- Mile Marker 54
- Starting Over
- Cold
- Joy of Missing Out
- White Horse Faster
- Parachute
- Can't Help But Wonder
- Fire
- Blowin' Smoke
- Middle of the Night
- Deluxe Two-LP Tracklist (typical layout)
- Disc 1: Mile Marker 54, Starting Over, Cold, Joy of Missing Out, White Horse Faster
- Disc 1: Parachute, Can't Help But Wonder, Fire
- Disc 2: Blowin’ Smoke, Middle of the Night, Time, Comin’ Around, Hard Livin’
- Disc 2: Multiple variants exist; always check catalog number and packaging for exact order.
Format Considerations: Why Vinyl Fits Starting Over
Vinyl accentuates the live, unpolished elements of Starting Over: the kick drum thump, pedal steel swells, and vocal breaths that digital compression often smooths over. The album’s dynamic range benefits from the format’s headroom, and side breaks were arranged to minimize interruptions during songs. For listeners, this makes the vinyl edition especially effective for albums enjoyed in dedicated listening sessions, where texture and pacing matter.
Evaluating Editions and Making a Choice
When deciding among editions, weigh these factors:
- Sound: Both standard and deluxe offer the same core audio; the difference is packaging and quantity.
- Collectibility: Deluxe two-LP sets with distinct artwork and larger packaging appeal to completists.
- Availability: Standard editions often remain in wider circulation, while colored or specialty pressings may sell out faster.
- Condition tips: Inspect seams and label area for seam splits, and check for ringwear on the jacket if buying used.
Pressing Quality and Variants
Pressing specifics can vary by manufacturer and region, affecting surface noise and loudness. Authorized pressings through Mercury Nashville generally maintain strong quality control, but independent vendors may produce test pressings or boutique variants. If audiophile grading matters to you, verify the plant and year via runout etchings and consult reputable vinyl databases for noise and mastering notes.
Where to Buy and Current Availability
As of the latest public records, the album remains in print through major retailers and can typically be found new or used via: major chain stores, indie record shops, and authorized online marketplaces. Stock levels fluctuate; checking multiple sellers can improve odds of finding sealed or lightly used copies at target prices.
Final Thoughts on Starting Over on Vinyl
Starting Over on vinyl captures the emotional arc and sonic weight of Chris Stapleton’s songwriting with a tactile richness that many formats can’t match. By understanding the edition differences, tracklist order, and basic pressing details, you can choose a version that aligns with your listening habits and collecting goals. For enduring enjoyment, treat the album as a long-term record-store staple rather than a momentary trend.