Ryan Adams, the alternative country rocker from North Carolina, is back together with his band, The Cardinals, to add to his already-impressive discography with a new album, Cardinology.
With his first full-length album since rehab, Adams doesn’t disappoint, but still leaves something to be desired.
As with previous Adams and Cardinals albums, Cardinology features music and lyrics that call to mind rocky relationships and dark, smoke-filled bars. Never reluctant to convey what he’s feeling, Adams is brutally honest in his music.
The album is slow at times, but overall a strong effort; more than enough to appeal to hard-core fans. Concertgoers will already be familiar with several of the new tracks that have been played live at shows throughout the year.
The electric guitar driven “Magick” along with the first single “Fix It,” provide a good contrast to the slow ballad, “Stop,” which was evidently written about his struggle with drug addiction and rehab. The mix of slow and fast, energy and easiness give the album a balanced feel. “Crossed Out Name” is reminiscent of the songs on Adams’ album, Easy Tiger.
Aside from “Stop,” Cardinology is a departure from the cutting sadcore style that has had more of a presence in Adams’ previous work.
Cardinology may not be able to win over new listeners like older, more appealing albums like Love Is Hell and Heartbreaker. While not his best, Cardinology is definitely not Adams’ worst. The three albums he churned out in 2005 were dull and could have been combined into one good album.
His albums could benefit from a producer not afraid to tell the quick-tempered Adams what is not up to par and push him to bring out the songwriting and performance he is capable of. His prolific nature increases the need for a producer skilled enough to keep him in line.
Mainstream music fans often overlook Adams, but much of his music would appeal to a mass audience if marketed properly. Adams is proficient on multiple instruments and his talent for songwriting can be traced back when he was eight-years-old, writing poetry with his grandmother’s typewriter.
Cardinology is set for release Tuesday. A vinyl version will be available which includes a bonus 7-inch record, a comic book and a digital download code.
Adams has decided to try his hand at short fiction and poems with his book, “Infinity Blues,” which will be released in April.