Categories : Music Reviews, Rock + Pop.
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Rating: 3/5 Released: May 3, 2005 Reviewer: Nathan Atnikov |
Despite questionable industry standards dictating that every album that has more than 16 tracks apparently must be packaged as a double, Cold Roses is one such release that actually deserves it. Ryan Adams and his new backing band, The Cardinals, provide a sprawling 18 track project, and what’s most amazing is that the album never seems off-course. The common knock on double albums is that they are self-indulgent, which is kind of a redundant accusation considering that this is Ryan Adams we’re talking about. Since going solo, Adams has done exactly what he wants, when and how he wants to do it (for example, this is the first of three scheduled studio albums from Adams this year), and has drawn the ire of many in the industry in the process. This kind of attitude should be celebrated, not criticized, especially when dealing with a talent the likes of Adams.
Cold Roses is a return to Adams’ former alt-country glory after his critically panned 2003 release Rock N’ Roll. Despite being stocked with great tunes, Cold Roses is a surprisingly challenging listen – most of the 18 tracks are over four minutes, and changes in tone are few and far between. For instance, the first four tracks are all great, but Beautiful Sorta is still a relief as the fifth, simply because the pace picks up. The highlight of the album comes at the end of the first album with Mockingbird and How Do You Keep Love Alive. These two songs side by side showcase Ryan Adams at his best – as a mournful alt-country crooner who can express vulnerability with the simple crack of his voice.
If Rock N’ Roll was considered progression for Ryan Adams, then Cold Roses would likely fall under the category of regression. But this is one case where regression can be considered a step in the right direction for Adams’ career.
