“It’s All Fun and Games” by Junior Sisk

In a town where authenticity and polish often wrestle for dominance, It’s All Fun and Games by Junior Sisk lands as a rare gem: a record that is both raw with tradition and slick enough to turn industry heads. Released on Turnberry Records, the 11-track project reaffirms why Sisk is considered one of the best traditional bluegrass vocalists working today—and why his band is among the tightest in the business.

URL: https://www.juniorsisk.com/

Junior Sisk’s reputation in Nashville circles is legendary. From his early songwriting days with the Lonesome River Band to his breakout Heart of a Song album that won IBMA’s Album of the Year, Sisk has always been that guy—the one who kept tradition alive while still delivering records that charted and won awards. This new project is no exception. If anything, it’s proof that his signing with Turnberry Records was a smart move; they’ve given him the platform and push to continue dominating bluegrass radio while appealing to younger audiences who crave authenticity.

The opening track, “Where Love Goes To Die,” is a masterclass in setting a tone. The vocal is drenched in Sisk’s trademark timbre—earthy, plaintive, and seasoned by years of hard singing. Radio programmers will latch onto the title cut “It’s All Fun and Games,” a catchy and accessible number that captures the band’s spirit while still rooted in tradition. It has that hooky quality that could broaden Sisk’s reach beyond strict bluegrass playlists.

But this isn’t just about singles. The deep cuts shine equally bright. “Still Be Blue” is heartbreaking and poetic, while “The Last Time Again” is destined to be a fan favorite for its memorable chorus and tight harmonies. Heather Berry Mabe deserves special mention: her harmonies elevate these songs into something transcendent, and her guitar playing holds its own alongside some of the best pickers in the genre.

From an industry perspective, It’s All Fun and Games also reinforces the staying power of a band that could have easily faded into niche recognition. Instead, Junior Sisk has continued to win major awards—IBMA Male Vocalist, SPBGMA Bluegrass Band of the Year, and more—while also dominating charts with past releases like Load The Wagon. This track record matters. It’s why promoters book him, why festivals want him headlining, and why fans line up for autographs after shows.

“The Devil’s Train,” which closes the record, is the kind of dramatic, fiery closer that festivals thrive on. Expect it to become a live staple, the moment when the crowd erupts and the band proves they’re not just playing by the book—they’re pouring themselves into the music.

At a time when bluegrass is experiencing yet another wave of crossover experimentation, Sisk and his band are proof that sticking to tradition can still win awards, sell records, and fill venues. It’s All Fun and Games is not just a title; it’s a mission statement. And in Nashville, where careers rise and fall quickly, Junior Sisk proves he’s built for the long haul.

Michael Rand