Rating: NN
Singer/songwriter Amos Lee employs Calexico’s Joey Burns as producer for his fourth album, along with guest singers Lucinda Williams, Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam and Willie Nelson. But even Nelson, who brings heart and soul to pretty much anything he does, cannot make this record interesting.
Lee’s vibe is that blend of folk and R&B favoured by guys who sing Jason Mraz at their American Idol audition. The musicianship is flawless, as is Lee’s technical ability as a singer. But there’s no personality – no soul – in his delivery. And while a couple of catchy turns of phrase compensate for some elementary rhymes, there aren’t enough hooks to make the songs memorable.
Top track: Violin
