Damien Rice

Perhaps sensing that James Blunt was pulling too far ahead in the coveted U.K. wimp-rock sweepstakes, Damien Rice has skulked back with his sophomore album. Luckily, it's not nearly as grating as even Blunt's "finest" moments. It's quite the opposite, actually, as the Irishman has produced a pretty solid listen. Taking cues from Tupelo Honey-era Van Morrison, Rice mixes folk, country and rock influences to create a varied package that works because of its diversity. Rollicking tracks such as "Rootless Tree" and "Coconut Skins" share space with the barely-there "9 Crimes" and "Elephant," creating a rollercoaster of a listening experience that's effective and engaging. There's something inherently likable about Rice, and this disc is perfect if you're looking for a calming, inoffensive listen.