A longtime critical darling, the singer-songwriter’s latest album “Never Be the Same” deserves to be widely heard Published May 15, 2026 12:00PM (EDT) Teddy Thompson's "Never Be the Same" is easily one of the year's best albums (Photos by Ethan Covey/Royal Potato Family) Some singers are born with it: a teardrop in their voice that grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. Tammy Wynette had it; just listen to her mourn how “the sun will never shine in Apartment #9” and your ear will catch the throb in her throat that echoes the song’s steel guitar. Roy Orbison singing “ In Dreams ,” Sam Cooke praising divine healing on “ Touch the Hem of His Garment ,” Emmylou Harris grieving Gram Parsons on “ Sweet Chariot ” — all of them have it too, the quiver that can’t be taught, only expressed. Teddy Thompson possesses one of those voices, a golden, vivid instrument capable of conjuring joy — though not in excess; he’s English — and caverns of heartache.…