Ian Hunter — Man Overboard

The former Mott The Hoople frontman returned from a six-year hiatus with 2007's Shrunken Heads and now makes his New West debut with his 13th solo album since 1975. Hunter produced Man Overboard with John Mellencamp guitarist Andy York and enlisted many of the same talented musicians from the Shrunken Heads sessions.

The clear highlight is "Girl From The Office," an excellent pop song with a nice melody that suitably counterpoints Hunter's cigarette-ravaged voice that asks, "What's she like in bed?" The jangle-rockin' "Up And Running" rocks harder and faster than the rest of the straight-forward record, which also shows a mellower side with the piano ballad "Win It All." The title track is one of a couple where you can hear echoes of Bob Dylan, and the female backing vocals are an asset on "Flowers."

Man Overboard will likely fight for its life in a sea of new releases, but 70-year-old Hunter continues to age well.

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