Love is in the air when Michael and Tanya Trotter are singing through my speakers. It’s sweet and fitting to see the husband-and-wife duo, better known as The War and Treaty, release their fourth album, “Plus One,” on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2025.
The album is overflowing with 18 soulful, country, and roots-rock tracks that showcase the duo at their best.
“We see this record as an open invitation to be a part of what we’re doing—it came from wanting to be the hope we believe people need right now, as well as the hope that we need for ourselves,” Tanya Trotter said in a release.
Her husband, Michael Trotter Jr., added, “One of our main intentions with this album is to inspire people to share themselves with others and open themselves up to the possibility of being loved.”
The album opens with “Love Like Whiskey,” a testament to the staying power of their love after getting a taste of the good stuff. The track was co-written by the Trotters and Miranda Lambert.
It was recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with Michael Trotter Jr. at the helm, alongside co-producers and collaborators Jonathan Singleton, John Shanks, and Jesse Frasure, as well as the duo’s live band, whom I saw perform at the Philadelphia Folk Festival.
The rhythm and blues hit heavy on “Skyscraper,” with Trotter Jr. speaking his truth about his health and keeping his head up through it all.
Gospel influences are scattered throughout the album, including tracks like “Can I Get an Amen” and “Called You by Your Name.”
The couple slows it down on “Stealing a Kiss,” which sounds like an instant classic and a must-listen for anyone who loves old-school soul. It showcases the couple’s power and includes an epic power-ballad guitar solo, featuring the duo trading verses before coming together for the bridge and chorus.
Tanya Trotter takes the lead on “Teardrops in the Rain,” which features hints of bluegrass banjo—a preview of what’s to come later in the album. The song doesn’t mince words when it comes to heartbreak.
“Oh, it’s not a question, I still love you
Even though you say you don’t love me anymore
I wish I could cut my heart out like you
But I’m no butcher”
—”Teardrops in the Rain”
Those bluegrass vibes return for “Leads Me Home,” which Michael Trotter Jr. begins with a deep Southern drawl. He takes it up a notch on “Carried Away,” a spirited tribute to classic country.
My favorite modern bluegrass player, Billy Strings, joins the duo for “Drink from Me,” where the Trotters leave plenty of space for Strings to take the lead on guitar and trade-off with the piano.
One of the best things about “Plus One” is that it highlights the strength of both Tanya and Michael Trotter Jr. as individual artists while also showcasing how well they blend their talents together. Their interplay on tracks like “Reminisce” keeps the album sounding fresh from start to finish.
I love the power-pop energy throughout “Save Me,” “Love Is on Fire,” and “I Can’t Let You Go,” which blend the album’s various genres into a seamless experience.
On “I Can’t Let You Go,” the duo sounds as strong as ever, using their relationship to fuel their fire as a band. Michael Trotter Jr. delivers the last verse with the power of a preacher.
“John Legend’s in our corner, this cannot be boring
We The War and Treaty, baby, so you know we morphing
Into something special, something off the reins
Fuck a broken record, we into breaking them chains”
—”I Can’t Let You Go”
“Home” tells a redemption story about getting back on the right path. Meanwhile, the classic soul vibes fully propel “Mr. Fun,” a song about the guy your parents warned you about.
The most straightforward roots-rock track on the album is “Tunnel Vision,” which sounds both fresh and timeless.
The War and Treaty go acoustic for the closing track, “The Glorious Ones,” setting up a triumphant finale.
Over an hour and six minutes, “Plus One” captures the full range of Tanya and Michael Trotter Jr.’s artistry.
If you liked “Plus One,” trust me—you’ll love The War and Treaty live. Catch them on tour:
April 8 at Irving Plaza in New York City
April 10 at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, New York
April 11 at the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Get “Plus One” from The War and Treaty, Amazon, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, Deezer, and qobuz.
Favorite Tracks
Love Like Whiskey
Skyscraper
Stealing a Kiss
Leads Me Home
Save Me
Love Is on Fire
I Can’t Let You Go
Love Light
Mr. Fun
Tunnel Vision
