Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger Album Review

Ryan Adams
Easy Tiger
Album Review

It's a rare review of Ryan Adams that doesn't refer to inconsistency in quality of his released recordings. If you get Ryan Adams, there's little doubt that more is better than less - even at worst, the man stands head and shoulders over most other singer-songwriters. 'Worst' would include the depths of his drugs and alcohol period, which ended over a year ago. Unsurprisingly, Easy Tiger sees him back to the Gold, Heartbreaker or Cold Roses heights. Such a naturally great voice that manages emotion and melody so well, and an ability to write a song that will bring a lumps to the throat at will.

Two (the second track) is genuinely gorgeous, and I Taught Myself How To Grow Old is one of the best songs he has ever written, if Tears of Gold isn't also heading for that same spot. However, there are moments that don't work - The Sun Also Sets meanders into melodrama, while Alice seems unfinished noodling. Even Halloweenhead is an unusual addition, like his own Rock & Roll meets 80s arena rock. Ryan Adams is a significant songwriter, and it is a pleasure to hear him at his best.

Rating 8/10

Mike Rea