Listening to Dr. John’s final, posthumously released studio album, Things Happen That Way, is a bittersweet experience. You get to hear more of his idiosyncratic voice and vocal phrasings as well as his unique take on several standards, but you are also continuously reminded of his untimely passing.

The first cut, Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away,” might have you tearing up from the get-go when the Good Doctor counts off the tune in his inimitable accent. When he hits the line, “never know when I’ll be back in town,” the inevitable facts of life lurk behind the beat.

Guitarist, longtime Neville family associate and Hall and Oates musical director Shane Theriot co-produced the album, and he surrounded the star with a stellar cast of musicians including Jon Cleary, Herlin Riley, David Torkanowsky, Tony Hall, Mark Mullins and numerous others.

A special shout-out has to go out to the late drummer Carlo Nuccio and what is likely his highest profile and final recording. His work on the final cut, “Guess Things Happen That Way,” like the other tracks just oozes emotion and he mirrors Rebennack’s resigned, but hopeful vocals.

Press materials suggest that Dr. John always wanted to record a country album, and though Things Happen That Way has touches of the genre, this is a soulful record deep in the icon’s wheelhouse yet tinged with a sense that he knew it was his last go-round.

The Traveling Wilburys’ “End of the Line” is the standout cut. With a full horn section, Riley on tambourine and drums and a male backing chorus, the inclusion of Aaron Neville and Katie Pruitt on additional vocals push the song into another realm. Call the Grammy voters!

There are a few new songs as well as a reworking of “Walk On Gilded Splinters” on the new album. They add to the mix but are just an extra helping of frosting on a fully baked cake.