Ryan Adams — Easy Tiger

Easy Tiger

Lost Highway

Matt Reeder (CHARTattack)

07/03/2007 12:27pm

Ryan Adams returns to more straightforward, fan-friendly territory on Easy Tiger, his first proper full-length since 29 capped off his trio of releases in 2005. While last year saw the prolific, shape-shifting songwriter tackle hip-hop, punk rock and electronica with a slew of oddly named online releases via his website, this 13-song disc is evidence that Adams hasn't lost the plot. In fact, he's more on his game than he's been in a while. He hones down his different styles into a varied collection that moves naturally from the shimmering country rock of "Goodnight Rose" and "Tears Of Gold" to '70s-style pop rock on "Everybody Knows," "Two Hearts" and "The Sun Also Sets." There's also the stripped-down acoustic confessional "Oh My God, Whatever, Etc." and the vocally stunning album closer, "I Taught Myself How To Grown Old." Adams is once again backed by his versatile band, The Cardinals, who share songwriting credits on several tunes. Although some may find it hard to take Adams seriously these days, Easy Tiger proves he's still well worth the attention.

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