History of the Future, released in 2001, finds Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder in confident mid-career form, balancing traditional repertoire with Skaggs's own compositions and a handful of well-chosen covers. "Shady Grove" receives a treatment that honors the song's modal, Appalachian origins while displaying Kentucky Thunder's instrumental precision. "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke" — a honky-tonk staple — demonstrates Skaggs's ability to move between country and bluegrass without strain. The album appeared during a period when Skaggs's commitment to traditional bluegrass after years of mainstream country success had reinvigorated both his career and his standing within the acoustic music community.
Tracklist
- 1 Shady Grove Source Recording 3:44
- 2 Your Selfish Heart 2:40
- 3 Dim Lights, Thick Smoke Source Recording 3:06
- 4 The Old Home alt version 2:15
- 5 Road to Spencer alt version 3:36
- 6 Sawin’ on the Strings alt version 2:30
- 7 Mother’s Only Sleeping alt version 3:14
- 8 Too Far Down To Fall 3:44
- 9 Halfway Home Café 4:10
- 10 One Way Track Source Recording 3:12
- 11 Roll in My Sweet Baby’s Arms alt version 2:31