Over twenty-something albums, Jim Lauderdale established himself as a “songwriter’s songwriter” and a “musician’s musician” as he’s wandered between authentic country music, folk-based singer/songwriting, and even a touch of ‘60s-styled guitar pop. I’m a Song is essentially a double album of strict honky-tonk and genuine country-western music. He's never sounded better. Several songs were written by Lauderdale and covered by other artists. Most notably, “The King of Broken Hearts” was cut by Lee Ann Womack and Mark Chesnutt, and “I Lost You” was previously released by its cowriter, Elvis Costello; it's performed here with friend Buddy Miller. Womack and Loveless throw their harmonies behind several songs, while folks like James Burton, Dennis Crouch, Stuart Duncan, John Oates, Al Perkins, and “Cousin” Kenny Vaughan provide top-notch musical accompaniment. “The Feeling’s Hanging On,” “Doin’ Time in Bakersfield,” “A Day with No Tomorrow,” “End of the World Rag,” and “The Day the Devil Changed” are worth noting, but, in truth, everything Lauderdale does here succeeds.