Jul 03 2008
Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
- Artist: Ryan Adams
- Album: Easy Tiger
- Label: Lost Highway
- Release: 2007
- Links: Official Site
Ryan Adams is one of the most prolific songwriters of the last seven years. Saturating the market has never been a problem for Adams, who released three albums in 2005 alone. When it was announced that his 9th album, Easy Tiger, would clock in at a lean thirteen tracks, it appeared that Adams was ready to turn in a consistent effort. Author Stephen King, who (oddly enough) penned the album’s press release, declared that it was possibly his best album to date. Easy Tiger tries to find the happy medium that many of Adams’ fans have been hoping he would reach. As badly as I wanted Mr. King to be correct, I am sad to report that Easy Tiger falls short on its quest.
There aren’t any songs on Easy Tiger that are necessarily awful, but many of them are simply bland. I’m fine with the first few songs on the album. “Goodnight Rose” and “Two,” which features moderate backing from Sheryl Crow, are great tracks. I’m even fond of the wacky “Halloweenhead,” a song that I enjoy playing at a fairly loud volume in my car. “Oh My God, Whatever, Etc.” and “I Taught Myself How To Grow Old” are two tender ballads to take notice of. What Easy Tiger lacks is an identify. Not every record needs a coherent theme, but Easy Tiger sure could use a personality injection.
The mark of a mediocre album is if you could care less if you ever heard half the songs again. I feel that way about songs like “Tears Of Gold” and “Pearls On A String.” After I listened to Easy Tiger for the first time, I wasn’t convinced that Adams put everything he could into this record. I’ve listened to it three or four times more since then and my opinion hasn’t changed. Adams is far more talented than the lazy material on this album reflects. He doesn’t sound committed to these songs and it shows in his voice. Ryan Adams is constantly evolving. I applaud him for being a chameleon, but I, like his other fans, are left hoping he finds that happy medium. No one’s asking for another Heartbreaker, just a little dedication.
(7/14/07)
