Iris DeMent

The Way I Should (30th Anniversary) Iris DeMent RSD 2026 Summer Sky Colored Vinyl edition

With The Way I Should, Iris DeMent stepped boldly into new territory, delivering a collection that balanced her fierce lyrical conviction with tender vulnerability. Released in 1996, this third studio album from the revered Americana singer-songwriter expanded on her folk and country roots, blending sharp political commentary with deeply personal storytelling.

Backed by a fuller, more contemporary sound and featuring collaborations with legends like Delbert McClinton and Mark Knopfler, DeMent doesn’t shy away from weighty topics. From government corruption ("Wasteland of the Free") to working-class struggle ("Quality Time"), she gives voice to the disillusioned with searing honesty and soulful grit. Merle Haggard lends his iconic vocals to “This Kind of Happy,” bringing a warm, lived-in authenticity that deepens the album’s emotional core.

Yet for all its pointed critique, The Way I Should is just as powerful in its quieter moments. Songs like "When My Mornin’ Comes Around" and "Keep Me God" shimmer with grace, hope, and an unwavering moral compass. DeMent’s unmistakable voice anchors every track with a sense of authenticity that’s rare and resonant.

The Way I Should isn’t just an artistic evolution; it’s a fearless statement from a singular voice in American music. Timeless in message and rich in heart, it remains one of DeMent’s most compelling and relevant works.

In celebration of the album’s 30th anniversary, Yep Roc Records is pressing The Way I Should on vinyl for the first time. The album is remastered by Mike Westbrook of Material Mastering and is pressed on Summer Sky color vinyl, limited to 1,000 copies worldwide.