Her grandfather, Hank Williams, Sr., laid the very foundation for country songwriting, and her father, Hank Williams, Jr., defined country superstardom throughout the ’80s. Through it all, they forged their own creative paths and now, Hilary carries on that family legacy with her debut album, “My Lucky Scars.” 

Inspired by a devastating car accident in 2006 that nearly claimed her life, “My Lucky Scars” takes you through Hilary’s journey to overcome that near-death experience. The album’s opening track, “Angel Take My Hand” as well as “Sign of Life,” give the listener a raw look into those moments.

The balance of the album addresses navigating the complicated game of love on tracks “The Day After the Circus,” “Shipwreck” and “Better Than Here.” Even when singing about the toll heartbreak has taken, her voice continues to shine bright, which you’ll hear on “Let Somebody Save Me,” co-written with John Paul White (Civil Wars) and Kris Bergsnes, as well as her spot-on cover of Joni Mitchell‘s “River.”

The list of songwriters contributing to “My Lucky Scars” reads like a who’s who among modern tunesmiths — Natalie Hemby, Ross Copperman, Heather Morgan, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Bobby Tomberlin as well as rock legend John Eddie. This album also shares a direct connection to the female rockers who shaped her in her youth. The jagged edge of Sheryl Crow‘s guitar sound and the no-holds-barred lyrics of P.J. Harvey were the initial inspirations as Hilary set out to record this project along with her co-producers John Would (Fiona Apple, Lucinda Williams) and Lincoln Parish (Cage the Elephant). 

By the time Hilary closes out “My Lucky Scars” with the lighthearted ode to love, “Crazy,” you feel as though you’ve gotten an intimate look at this woman’s story. It’s the tale of a woman whose life is still evolving. Lucky for us, Hilary is letting us come along for the voyage.