What Is 'Till The Sun Turns Black

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Last updated: April 10, 2026

Quick Answer: Till the Sun Turns Black is Ray LaMontagne's second studio album, released on August 29, 2006 in the United States. Produced by Ethan Johns and recorded at Allaire Studios in Shokan, New York, the album showcases a more textured and orchestral sound compared to his debut, featuring strings, swampy guitars, and Memphis horns.

Key Facts

Released August 29, 2006 in the US; June 18, 2007 in the UK
Produced by Ethan Johns at Allaire Studios in Shokan, New York
Sold 28,000 copies in its first week of release in the United States
Peaked at #35 on the UK Albums Chart, achieving commercial success
Features orchestral arrangements with strings, swampy guitars, and Memphis horns

Overview

Till the Sun Turns Black is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne, released on August 29, 2006 in the United States. The album marked a significant evolution in LaMontagne's sound, moving away from the sparse, acoustic blues style of his debut "Trouble" to embrace a more lush, orchestral production.

Produced by Ethan Johns and recorded at the prestigious Allaire Studios in Shokan, New York, the album was an immediate commercial success. It sold 28,000 copies in its first week of release in the US and was subsequently released internationally on June 18, 2007, where it reached #35 on the UK Albums Chart.

Musical Style & Sound

The Evolution from Trouble: Where Ray LaMontagne's debut album "Trouble" stripped songs down to their bare essentials with minimal instrumentation, Till the Sun Turns Black introduced layers of orchestration and arrangement.

Orchestral Arrangement: The album features prominent string sections, providing emotional depth and textural variety across tracks, moving beyond the country-blues simplicity of his debut.
Instrumentation: Swampy guitars, Memphis horns, and other session instrumentation create a warm, soulful atmosphere reminiscent of classic soul and blues recordings from the American South.
Production Philosophy: Producer Ethan Johns crafted a cohesive sound that balanced LaMontagne's intimate vocal delivery with fuller arrangements, creating intimacy without sacrificing scale.
Genre Influences: The album blends soul, blues, folk, and country elements, creating a sophisticated Americana sound that appeals to both mainstream and adult contemporary audiences.

Key Comparisons

Aspect	Trouble (2004)	Till the Sun Turns Black (2006)
Instrumentation	Sparse, acoustic-focused	Orchestral with strings and horns
Production Style	Minimal, raw vocal-forward	Layered, polished studio production
Chart Performance (US)	Gradual commercial growth	Strong debut (28,000 first week)
Recording Location	Home studio setting	Allaire Studios, professional complex
Overall Sound	Country-blues simplicity	Soul-influenced Americana

Why It Matters

Commercial Breakthrough: The album's strong first-week sales of 28,000 copies established Ray LaMontagne as more than a critical darling, proving he had mainstream commercial appeal and a dedicated audience.
Production Standard-Setter: Till the Sun Turns Black demonstrated how a singer-songwriter could maintain artistic integrity while embracing full production, influencing contemporary folk and soul artists.
Critical Recognition: The album received widespread positive reviews and elevated LaMontagne's profile in the music industry, leading to increased touring and festival appearances.
Genre Bridge: The album successfully bridged soul, blues, country, and folk traditions, appealing to a broader demographic than traditional country-blues releases.

Till the Sun Turns Black remains a landmark album in Ray LaMontagne's discography, representing his successful transition from stripped-down acoustic artist to a sophisticated, orchestral-minded recording artist. The album's commercial success and critical acclaim established the template for his subsequent work, proving that intimate songwriting could thrive within elaborate production frameworks. Today, it stands as an important reference point in 21st-century soul-influenced Americana, demonstrating how traditional musical values can be preserved while embracing contemporary production techniques.