Earlier this week, The Civil Wars played two sold out shows at the Zodiac Theater. If you were among the select 300 to snatch up a ticket, congratulations. Listening to this album is great, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve never witnessed two people fill up as much sonic space as The Civil Wars. It could be the incredible stage dynamic between John Paul and Joy, or the perfect pitch they keep while maintaining airtight harmonies, but the experience of a Civil Wars live show is something that can’t possibly be conveyed via audio only.

Feb 1 marked the release of the duo’s first full-length album “Barton Hollow.” As of press time, I have listened to the album three times, and I believe it could possibly be my new “any mood” album. On the day of the album release, “Barton Hollow” was a trending topic on Twitter. The record was atop the albums chart on iTunes (ahead of artists such as Amos Lee, The Black Keys, Mumford and Sons and The Decemberists), and No. 2 on Amazon. The music video to the “Barton Hollow” single is also in circulation on CMT.

Here are a few of my favorite tracks in the order they appear on the album:

1. “I’ve Got This Friend”- This is one of the happier sounding songs on the album. The chorus build up with the line, “Oh, if the right one came along,” makes for a unique vocal melody. “I’ve Got This Friend” is also one of those tracks you catch yourself singing at the top of your lungs in your car.

2. “To Whom It May Concern”- Joy and John Paul’s tender, dreamlike vocals make this track one of the most relaxing songs on the record. The chorus says, “I’ve missed you, but I haven’t met you,” and the song ends with the lyric, “Dear whoever you might be, I’m waiting patiently.” It audibly embodies the search for a lasting love.

3. “Poison and Wine”- This is what started it all. This was the first Civil Wars song I had ever heard, and many of you could probably say the same. It was also featured on “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2009. This song, to me, displays some of the best songwriting on “Barton Hollow.” The piano in this song is beautiful. The song is an emotional rollercoaster about love, and actually gained a shout out from Taylor Swift. Although it is a slightly older Civil Wars track, it is still a phenomenal addition to the album.

4. “Barton Hollow”- If one song could infiltrate and convey the soul of the album, this song would be it. “Barton Hollow” drives, grooves and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The song makes you think of “A Light In August” by William Faulkner, or a similar southern gothic novel. The main guitar riff is absolutely infectious. It is a prime display of everything The Civil Wars are capable of; great songwriting, amazing harmonies and excellent instrumentation.

5. “Falling”- This has got to be one of my favorite songs The Civil Wars perform live. Joy’s voice is absolutely incredible in “Falling,” and John Paul’s vocals couldn’t complement her any more perfectly. The chorus will nearly drop your jaw to the floor.

The Civil Wars kicked off their first nationwide tour this week, and “Barton Hollow” is available as a $7.99 download on iTunes now.