Categories : Music Reviews, Rock + Pop.
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Rating: 4/5 Released: September 27, 2005 Reviewer: Nathan Atnikov |
Say what you will about Ryan Adams’ antics, whether they be on or off the stage, he continues to make beautiful, affecting music. Jacksonville City Nights is his second release of 2005, coming just a few months after the double album Cold Roses, and it is one of his best efforts to date. Adams has found a definite niche with his new backing band as the arrangements and harmonies on this album are among the best Adams has ever done.
City Nights has more in common with some of Adams’ earlier work than his more recent releases, leaning in a decidedly more country direction, and the result is an emotionally raw record, draped in lush arrangements with plenty of slide guitar and warbly vocals. All of these are in abundance on the deliciously campy Me Heart is Broken, a beautiful country break up song – a true instant classic.
If there was any fear of Ryan Adams over-saturating the market with his music (yet another release is scheduled for late 2005), those fears are allayed with Jacksonville City Nights. One can only eagerly await Adams’ next album, and wear this one out in the meantime.
