Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger.
Considering the man released 3 albums in 2005, it’s been a long wait for the 9th solo album, Easy Tiger, from Ryan Adams. Arguably one of the greatest song writers of the modern generation, Adams has delivered an album that harks back to his debut, the critically acclaimed Heartbreaker, whilst dipping into the best of the rest, yielding an almost faultless blend of country infused low-key rock.
A man often criticized for his prolific output, and his meandering focus, he has a reputation for following his muse, wading through musical genres with almost inconsiderate ease. And Easy Tiger, a tight packed collection of 13 diverse tracks, is no exception. From the opening electric guitar twang of “Goodnight Rose”, to the delicate vocal and harmonica of the closing song, “I Taught Myself How to Grow Old”, the album is a journey through the rich musical heritage of an exceptionally talented musician. Yet unlike albums such as 29, which suffer from a lack of focus, Easy Tiger is held together by a mood, almost an attitude, of quiet assurance. You cannot help but feel that Adams has worked hard on this album. There is no self-indulgence here. At under 40 minutes, this a carefully measured artistic work.
An album that implores you to listen, you can savor the musical arrangements, you can lose yourself in heartfelt lyrics, of loss, desire, and vulnerability, or you can just close your eyes and float away on the gentle winds of one of the greatest voices in the business. It’s been worth the wait. The album is in stores June 26.
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