What’s hitting Steven Hyden’s playlist this August? Get ready to discover the sounds he can’t get enough of! From Billy Strings’ genre-bending jams to Cass McCombs’ latest indie gems, this month’s music critique is packed with must-hear artists. Curious to see whose tunes made the cut?

This month, renowned cultural critic Steven Hyden delves into his curated selection of favorite music-related releases for August 2025 Music, offering an insightful look into the albums, songs, and artists that have captured his discerning ear. His unranked list provides a unique perspective on the evolving soundscape, highlighting both established acts and rising stars in the contemporary music scene.

A significant focus of Hyden’s August review is the electrifying live presence of Billy Strings, the celebrated jam-grass phenom. Attending his performance this month, Hyden was thoroughly impressed by Strings’ virtuosity and the dynamic energy of his band, specifically noting the exceptional contributions of Billy Failing on banjo and Jarrod Walker on mandolin.

Hyden articulates the challenge of describing the sheer musicality of Strings and his ensemble without resorting to overused adjectives like “chops” or “virtuosic,” which he humorously associates with outdated music journalism. He emphasizes that watching these musicians “shred” for extended periods, particularly on tracks like “All Fall Down” and “Turmoil And Tinfoil,” offers an experience that is both musically profound and athletically engaging.

What sets Billy Strings apart, as Hyden observes, is his remarkable ability to blend the intricate improvisation of jam bands with the heartfelt authenticity of Country Jam Music. This fusion has allowed him to transcend typical genre confines, attracting a diverse audience that includes both tie-dyed fans and a notable contingent sporting cowboy boots, demonstrating his broad appeal.

This unique positioning in the music industry is further underscored by comparisons to artists like Sturgill Simpson, with whom Strings shared the stage as an opener at the recent “Dead 60” concerts in San Francisco. Both artists exemplify the successful triangulation of a massive audience from the overlapping Venn diagram of contemporary jam and country genres, a particularly fortuitous skill given the concurrent explosion of both styles this decade.

Turning to another luminary, Hyden celebrates the consistent brilliance of Northern California native Cass McCombs, whose new, almost double-album length release is once again met with critical acclaim. This forms a significant part of the Indie Rock Review for the month. McCombs belongs to an elite group of first-rate, middle-aged singer-songwriters, alongside figures like Dan Bejar and Bill Callahan, who defiantly maintain their artistic integrity and quality as they mature.

Despite his somewhat more enigmatic and close-to-the-vest sensibility compared to his peers, McCombs’ latest work, including captivating tracks like “Lola Montez Danced The Spider Dance,” demonstrates a willingness to open up his music. This expansive quality recalls the sprawl and depth of his 2013 masterpiece, , solidifying his new offering’s place as a near-equal in his impressive discography, making it a standout in this month’s music review.

Steven Hyden’s August 2025 Music selections, featuring the dynamic Billy Strings and the introspective Cass McCombs, alongside mentions of influential artists like Tyler Childers, collectively showcase a rich tapestry of contemporary sounds. His curated list serves as an essential guide for anyone seeking profound musical experiences in the current landscape.